Something is cooking at Lee Health Coconut Point in Estero.
Inside the medical facility is a full-service kitchen, where eager students learn how to create a heart-healthy dinner featuring cauliflower rice, grilled pineapple, teriyaki salmon and green beans.
A Lee Health registered dietitian serves as their teacher, guiding students as they use a food processor to create rice from cauliflower.
It was one of five classes, part of the FARMacy RX Cardiac Cooking Series. The program launched in January, designed by Lee Health dietitians specifically for their cardiac rehab patients — those recovering from a heart attack or other serious heart-related issues. There's a similar program open to the general public.
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"The class teaches patients recipes that have low sodium, lean protein and healthy fats," said Nicole Kuhlmann, registered dietitian at Lee Health.
More often than not, cardiac patients are accustomed to a fatty, salt-heavy diet, Kuhlmann added. "Instead of using salt, we teach them how to flavor meals with herbs, juices, vinegar, lemo,n and homemade dressings and sauces."
The series offers a unique approach to cardiac rehabilitation at Lee Health. Traditionally the focus has been on exercise and improving heart function, but now nutrition is just as important and is included in the three-step cardiac rehab process. The series is funded through a grant from Naples-based Arthrex, offering the service free of charge to Lee Health patients.
Learning how to cook nutritious foods is a long-term solution to a healthy heart, said Larry Altier, system director of food and nutrition at Lee Health.
"Part of the reason (these patients) are in the condition they're in is the food they've been consuming throughout the years," Altier said. "What we're trying to do with this program is to help them transition from acute care to self-care and educate them on what they can and can't eat."
The series is offered at two locations: Lee Health Coconut Point in Estero, 23450 Via Coconut Point, for Lee Health patients, and for the public, the Culinary Solutions at LeeSar, 2727 Winkler Ave., Fort Myers.
Each class is kept small, with no more than 12 participants. That way they get one-on-one time with the dietitian. Each participant may be accompanied by a caregiver.
During each class, participants learn how to prepare and cook a healthy appetizer, main entree, a side dish and dessert. The class also teaches knife safety.
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The goal, Altier said, is for Lee Health patients and Southwest Florida residents to see food as medicine.
The five-week series open to the public begins Wednesday, April 3, at the Culinary Solutions at LeeSar in Fort Myers.
Five-week cooking series
When: Begins Wednesday, April 3. This series is open to the public.
Where: Culinary Solutions at LeeSar, 2727 Winkler Ave, Fort Myers
Cost: $100 per person
Register: Call 239-468-0050
https://www.naplesnews.com/story/life/food/2019/04/01/lee-health-estero-hosts-cooking-classes-cardiac-patients/3153512002/
2019-04-01 18:00:00Z
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