What is CU CHEFS?

"CU CHEFS® (Clemson University Cooking & Healthy Eating Food Specialist)" program provides its participants with quick and easy recipes that appeal to the entire family, even younger children. This unique, hands-on program allows participants to work in the kitchen with a chef, who will teach participants tricks of the trade as they help the chef prepare a quick, healthy meal. A qualified nutrition educator will also be present to provide helpful input and answer any health-related questions. If you want to learn how to prepare quick and healthy meals that will please the whole family, then "CU CHEFS®" is the program for you!

A Scientific Approach

Family meals have undergone dramatic changes in the last two decades that have affected the quality of children's diets. Maternal employment, changes in family structure, and increased time pressure are factors affecting children's food choices (Escobar, 1999). Caregivers want to provide healthful food for their families, but many have not learned survival skills in the kitchen. They often come up short on meals that meet the dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetables, grains, and diary products (Position Paper of the American Dietetic Association, 2004).

Quick and Easy Recipe

Berry Blue Salad (makes 8 servings)

2 cups blueberries

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

2 apples, diced

1/2 cup fat free mayonnaise or 1/2 cup whipped cream

1 (15 oz) can low-sugar crushed pineapple, drained

8 lettuce leaves

Instructions:

Mix first five ingredients together in a medium bowl. Serve on lettuce leaf.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 140

Total fat: 6 g

Saturated fat: 0.5 g

Carbohydrates: 24 g

Fiber: 4 g

Protein: 1 g

 

Primary Goal

Promote healthy eating behaviors by teaching:

• Basic nutrition
• Food safety
• Food selection
• Menu planning
• Food-prep skills

 

Contact Information

Dr. Marge Condrasky

Phone: (864) 656-6554

email: mcondra@clemson.edu