Bronson Eats

Eating well and moving more are important for best health. On this page, find ideas for how to eat healthier and be more active in ways you enjoy.

Classes For Adults

• A Spoonful of Sugar -Thursday, May 5, 9-10 a.m.
  Did you know that the average American consumes nearly 130 cups of added sugar per year (that is more than 2 cups per week)! Most of us don’t eat this sweet treat by the spoonful, so where is all of this sugar coming from? Join Bronson's health educators to discover hidden sources of sugar, how to identify sources of added sugar, and the ways a high-sugar diet may impact your body.
  Register now.

• Dress Up Your Salads - Wednesday, May 11, 2-3 p.m.
  Do you love salad, but hate buying bottled dressings with ingredients that are hard to pronounce? Join us for this cooking class and learn how to make three super quick and tasty salad dressings, as well as tips for how to healthfully “dress up” a salad. This class is offered in partnership with the Campus for Creative Aging at Region IV, Area Agency on Aging.
  Register here.

• More Muffins, Please -Wednesday, May 18, 2-3 p.m.
  Many people think of muffins as a sweet treat you grab from a bakery or coffee shop when you don’t have enough time to eat a well-rounded breakfast. In this cooking class, learn to prepare quick and HEARTY breakfast muffins that you can bring with you to keep you fueled all morning long. No coffee stop necessary! These muffins will satisfy your sweet tooth AND your grumbling belly. This class is offered in partnership with the Campus for Creative Aging at Region IV, Area Agency on Aging.
  Register here.

• GMOs: What Does Science Say? - Thursday, May 19, 9-10 a.m.
  Genetically modified foods are a hot topic in the media today. Food labels declare that they are “GMO Free,” consumers are calling for non-GMO foods, and many sources warn of their dangers. In this class, Bronson's health educators will discuss what GMOs are, how they are used, and evaluate what the research says about their safety.
  Register now.

• Diabetes Prevention . . . through Food -Thursday, June 9, 9-10 a.m.
  Can what you eat and how much of it really have an effect on your blood sugar? Yes! In this class, Bronson's health educator's will discuss the foods you should eat more (or less) of, and things you can do to help prevent diabetes.
  Register now.

• S is for Strawberry - Wednesday, June 15, 2-3 p.m.
  One of the best things about June is the abundance of ripe, delicious, and juicy ripe, red strawberries. In this cooking class, learn to make a light and healthy lunch that highlights this super fruit. Finish it off with a sweet and healthy frozen strawberry treat. This class is offered in partnership with the Campus for Creative Aging at Region IV, Area Agency on Aging.
  Register here.

• Smoothies That Satisfy - Thursday, June 16, 9-10 a.m.
  Who doesn’t love a smoothie? Sweet, easy and full of nutrients, smoothies should get a gold star. Join Bronson's health educators to learn some tips and tricks for creating delicious smoothies that fuel your lifestyle, plus, watch as they demo one special smoothie recipe, and leave with a few new recipes to try yourself.
  Register now.

• Three Ingredient Pasta Dinner  - Wednesday, June 29, 2-3 p.m.
  It’s summertime and most of us don’t want to spend all day cooking in a hot kitchen! Enter three-ingredient pasta! Pasta is a delicious, energy-packed food. Join us to learn how to make tasty and quick Garlicky Hummus Pasta. This class is offered in partnership with the Campus for Creative Aging at Region IV, Area Agency on Aging.
  Register here.

Fresh Conversations A Nutrition Program for Older Adults

This is a free, five-session, interactive, discussion-based virtual program that is free for older adults. Classes meet once a week for five weeks.

In Fresh Conversations you will learn:

• Which foods are important for older adults to eat in order to stay healthy
• Tips for healthy shopping and meal planning
• Easy exercises you can do at home to improve strength and balance
• How to make quick and healthy recipes for 1-2 people.

If you are covered by Medicaid or have a Michigan Bridge Card (SNAP), you get priority admission into class. Email Chris for more information and specific dates and times: floodc@bronsonhg.org

See more classes hosted by Bronson at bronsonhealth.com/classes.

Eating With Plant-Entions

Plant-entions: Intentionally eating more plant-based foods. Some examples of plant-based foods are fruit, veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Eating a healthy diet full of plant-based foods can help keep your body and mind feeling great. They:

• Contain many vitamins and minerals, so your body can be healthy, energized and work its best.
• Are full of fiber, meaning they will keep you full and aid in proper digestion.
• Are typically lower in calories than many other foods. For example, a serving of carrots dipped in guacamole has less than 150 calories, while a serving of potato chips and dip can set you back about 220 calories. Eating fewer calories can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and more.

You can learn more about plant-forward eating at fruitsandveggies.org.

Are you interested in eating more plant-based foods? Check out our Plant-Entions E-Cookbook for tips, inspiration and 21 plant-forward recipes.

Seasonal Recipes

Are you looking for new and healthy low-cost recipes? Check out these springtime favorites!

• Easy Kale Caesar
• Power Bites
• Red Lentil Tacos
• Zucchini and Turkey Skillet
• Parmesan Potato Wedges

For more recipes and nutritional information from Bronson’s nutrition experts, visit bronsonhealth.com/nutrition.

Enjoy Moving with Your Family

Are you looking for ideas and resources to help you and your family be more active? Download our Family Fun Guides for

South Haven

Kalamazoo

Resources for school-aged kids

With the coronavirus pandemic, kids are spending a lot of time at home. Below, Isabel Hinton, Bronson health educator, shares several fun activities to keep kids active and moving, as well as daily tips for eating well.

To learn more about COVID-19 and how Bronson is keeping the community safe, visit bronsonhealth.com/covid19.

At-home activities for kids