NUTRITION AND CULINARY TRAINING

Nutrition Education Program

Most Wellspring California campers have sat through nutrition classes, met with dietitians and are sick and tired of reviewing the food pyramid and discussing vitamins, minerals and the importance of moderation.

Instead, Wellspring California’s unique nutrition education program focuses on what's crucial for weight loss and weight control. Wellspring's nutrition curriculum was developed by staff and top students at Wellspring Academy, formerly Academy of the Sierras, and is improved every year as it is taught at our boarding schools for weight loss.

Topics covered in Wellspring’s nutrition education program include:

  • Understanding when a diet does and does not have a scientific basis
  • Understanding scientific credentials - when to trust someone, and when someone is taking undue advantage of their doctor's coat
  • Science of weight gain - why it's so easy to gain, and so hard to lose
  • What scientific research shows about weight loss
  • What scientific research shows about successful long-term weight control
  • Dissecting fad diets - finding some kernels of science, but mostly empty promises
  • Restaurant training - training on ordering in restaurants followed by a trip to a restaurant
  • Grocery store training - activities and exercises in grocery stores

Culinary Education Program

Wellspring California doesn't stop with nutrition education. Our campers also learn to cook the same very low-fat, low calorie-density foods we eat.

Culinary classes at Wellspring California teach campers to prepare very low-fat but delicious foods. We’re not talking about intricate meal preparation, but rather quick, practical dishes, like chili Mac or a quick fat-free stir fry. The recipes included are designed to fit the family’s lifestyle.  After learning the basics of healthy, outdoor cooking, campers are involved in preparing most meals, and in some cases are responsible for preparing a breakfast or a dinner.

Coming home from school ravenous? Only have a dorm microwave and refrigerator to work with? Our culinary classes provide hands-on training for practical, real life situations. Campers leave Wellspring California with a complete culinary education and are confident in their ability to prepare simple, healthy meals.