Healthy West Chicago, West Chicago library offer summer wellness programming

Good nutrition is the key to good mental and physical health. Not only does a healthy lifestyle promote wellbeing, but studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown that a healthy diet helps children grow and develop properly, reducing their risk of chronic diseases, including obesity. Also, the research reveals that adults who eat a healthy diet live longer and have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

If you are struggling to find healthy recipes that the whole family will enjoy, join Chef Maria from Healthy West Chicago for a fun family live virtual cooking class from the comfort of your home. Participants will learn tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen, and ways to involve kids in food preparation. Chef Maria will be demonstrating healthy family approved recipes during each class.

Through a partnership with the West Chicago Library District, the programs being offered include:

• Virtual Cook-Along Classes on select Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

Recipe ingredients will be provided to the first 25 registered participants for the cook along classes. There will be a designated time for participants to pick up the supplies at the West Chicago Library District.

On July 21, it will be tabbouleh with pita bread and spicy bean dip. Register at bit.ly/2QnaQ7b

On Aug 18, the recipe will be sweet potato nachos with homemade salsa. Register at bit.ly/3s3GtjT

• Virtual Cooking Demos on select Wednesdays from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Recipe ingredients will be provided but the food will not be provided, as these classes are virtual, and can be followed alongside the chef.

On July 28, it will be Southwest turkey burgers and sweet potato fries. Register at bit.ly/3cOelLx.

On Aug 25, the recipe will be grilled chicken with strawberry pineapple salsa. Register at bit.ly/3r4oQPG

• Virtual Family Cooking Club on Mondays, July 26 to Aug. 17, from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

The lessons that will be presented are geared towards children ages 7-12. Recipe meal kits will be provided to the first 25 registered families for this cooking club. There will be a designated time for parents to pick up the supplies at the West Chicago Library for the Club, which includes ingredients for 4 meals, a kid's safety knife, cutting board and apron. Register at bit.ly/3h0d0F5.

For more information on any of these programs, visit www.healthywestchicago.org or www.facebook.com/HealthyWestChicago.

For inquiries, please contact Carly Smitherman at director@healthywestchicago.

Healthy West Chicago's mission is to ensure that all residents of West Chicago will have access to an optimal state of health and wellness. Healthy West Chicago is dedicated to increasing healthy eating and physical activity to make it one of the healthiest communities in the region. Through engaging events and policy efforts, they aim to make the healthy choice, the easy choice.