Nutrition Classes

Group Video Visit Nutrition Class Offerings

Registration

Michigan Medicine patients: register for class by calling 734-615-0444 (please call Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4pm)

Non-Michigan Medicine patients: call registration to obtain a medical record number (MRN): 734-615-9931. Once an MRN is obtained, call 734-615-0444 to register.

All classes are video visits through the Patient Portal using the Zoom platform.

All courses are single-course offerings, unless noted with an asterisk (*) next to the course title. 

Our insurance billing guidelines allow patients to only sign up for one class per day, but they are allowed to sign up for as many classes as they wish to in a week, month or year, as well as for multi-session classes.  Patients may retake a single or multi session class as many times as needed.

Class Cost: A nutrition visit with a registered dietitian is a covered service for ~95% of patients. For the ~5% of patients whose insurance may not cover the charge, the out of pocket cost will be $14-$22. If a bill is received, it is most likely an error or due to a deductible issue. In this case, the patient should contact us to be referred to the Nutrition Supervisor, who will review the issue.

Adult Classes

All courses are instructed by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Target audience: registration is for patients 18+ years of age. (all classes are 30 minutes unless otherwise noted)

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition to Support your Immune System

Foods that affect our immune system, and an easy to follow plan to help fight inflammation. Second Friday of the month. 10 am. Instructor: Eeyeen Ong

Arthritis Anti-Inflammatory Myths and Facts

Foods and supplements that are reported to cause or reduce inflammation and pain. First Tuesday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Laura Tarnacki

Arthritis and Gut Health

The new link between joint health and the gut microbiome. New research and tips for improving gut health, specifically for osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. Second Tuesday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Laura Tarnacki

Arthritis: Protein, Muscles, Bones and Aging 

How aging and arthritis can affect bones and muscles. Protecting bones and muscles for better mobility and independence. Healthy sources or protein, including serving sizes and sample meal ideas. Third Tuesday of the month. 1pm. Instructor: Laura Tarnacki

Arthritis Nutrition Overview

Weight loss as evidenced-based treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Best approaches for reducing inflammation. Maintaining muscle mass and strength for the long term. Importance of physical activity for arthritis and resources for patients. Fourth Tuesday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Laura Tarnacki

Building Better Bones

Osteopenia/Osteoporosis management via nutrition, exercise and prescribed medications, as well as which nutrients to eat, and in what quantities. First and third Tuesday of the month. 1 pm. (45 minute class). Instructor: Kelli Gibbs

Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes

For our Diabetes Courses specifically, a doctor referral is needed to attend classes. For more information on any of the Diabetes courses including class cost and registration, please call 734-998-2475. Various instructors or Diabetes Education Program staff lead the courses. Series of three classes meeting once a week virtually on Thursdays. Class series is held as needed. 3 pm - 4:30 pm.

Featured Food of the Month

A new, healthful and seasonal food, will be covered each month. Specific health benefits and preparation ideas for each food. Learn about oranges in January, dark chocolate in February, cabbage in March, etc. Second and fourth Mondays of the month. 1pm. Instructor: Melissa Shannon-Hagen

Figuring Out Fats

Different types of fats and the benefits of eating healthy fats. Second Thursday of the month. 2:30 pm. Instructor: Sarah Meyers

Gestational Diabetes

For our Diabetes Courses specifically, a doctor referral is needed to attend classes. For more information on any of the Diabetes courses including class cost and registration, please call 734-998-2475. Various instructors or Diabetes Education Program staff lead the courses. A one time class offered weekly on Tuesday. Follow up communication will occur between educator and patient until delivery. 8:30 am - 11 am.

Gout Friendly Diet

Low-purine diet, including foods recommended and foods not recommended. Additional dietary and lifestyle recommendations to decrease risk of gout attack. Sample menus and meal planning for gout-friendly diet. Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Kelli Gibbs

Healthy Eating, Healthy Weight

Healthy eating strategies that don’t involve diets or gimmicks, and how to achieve weight loss while following your usual diet. First and third Wednesdays of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Christine DuBois

Healty Eating, Healty Weight CHECK IN

Checking in with the Registered Dietitian on successes and struggles. Continued focus on building healthy eating habits. Group discussion on any weight loss topic the class requests (such as journal review, holiday strategies, emotional eating, exercise and weight loss, barriers to weight loss, weight loss through the life span, travel strategies. overcoming plateau, basic accountability, healthy eating, menu planning and meal prepping, grocery shopping strategies, mindful eating, meal timing, weight loss progress or not, fad diets and why they don’t work). *Participants must first take "Healthy Eating, Healthy Weight" class with Chris DuBois prior to signing up for this "Healthy Eating, Healthy Weight CHECK IN" group. Every Tuesday of the month. 11 am. Instructor: Christine DuBois

*Healthy Tips for Cancer Survivors (Eight Session Course)

Eight sessions on nutrition and Cancer survivorship and easy-to-implement lifestyle factors to promote optimal wellness and disease prevention. 4 series offered throughout the year in 2023 on Wednesdays. Series 1: 1/11-3/1 Series 2: 3/8-4/26, Series 3: 8/9-9/27, Series 4: 10/4-11/22/23. 11 am. (one hour classes). Instructor: Melissa Shannon-Hagen

*Kidney Essentials (Four Session Course)

Reviewing lab values for kidney disease and dietary strategies to slow the progression of kidney disease. Three times each week on Tuesdays. 9 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Instructor: Terrie Holewinski

Lowering the Pressure: Managing Hypertension with Lifestyle

Classes taught by cardiology RDNs (accepting primary care and cardiology hypertension referrals) as a result of Clinical Redesign. 3 class Virtual series; each provider offers a series for the first 3 weeks of the month. Tuesdays 9 am, Wednesday at 11 am, Friday at 1:30 pm. 

LOW FODMAP - Nutrition Reintroduction Phase

The reintroduction phase is the second phase of the low FODMAP diet. This class reviews how to test high FODMAPs and find out which FODMAP groups trigger your symptoms. *Disclaimer: For information on starting a low FODMAP diet please meet one-on-one with a dietitian. We are not offering group classes teaching the low FODMAP diet elimination phase.

First Tuesday of the month at 1:30 pm (group is 60 mins); second Thursday of the month at 8 am (group is 60 mins); and fourth Thursday of the month at 8 am (group is 60 mins). Instructor: Emily Haller.

Second Monday of each month. 8 am (group is 60 mins). Instructor: Amanda Lynett

LOW FODMAP - Diet Personalization Phase

The personalization phase is the third and final phase of the low FODMAP diet approach. This class reviews how to use the information you learned during the the reintroduction phase to create a modified-FODMAP diet tailored to your unique tolerances. *Disclaimer: For information on starting a low FODMAP diet please meet one-on-one with a dietitian. We are not offering group classes teaching the low FODMAP diet elimination phase.

Second Thursday of the month; Fourth Wednesday of the month. Second Thursday of the month at 9:30 am (group is 60 mins); fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 am (group is 60 mins). Instructor: Emily Haller

First Wednesday of the month. 3 pm (group is 60 mins). Instructor: Amanda Lynett

Managing Kidney Stones with Diet

Identifying different types of kidney stones. The causes and risk factors of kidney stones. Interpreting the LithoLink results and formulating a nutrition plan to help reduce recurrent kidney stones. Second Monday of the month. 8 am. Instructor: Terrie Holewinski

Mediterranean Diet

Health benefits of the Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern, including types of foods, meal planning tips and recipes. Fourth Wednesday of the month. 4 pm. Instructor: Lori Trudeau

Mindless Eating

Common triggers for mindless eating, and discovering non-food related strategies to overcome them. Second and fourth Tuesday of the month. 1:30 pm (one hour class). Instructor: Amy Schneider

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Nutrition and Fitness Course

This is a virtual, dietitian led, 12 week series dedicated to teaching nutrition and exercise for patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). There will be 6 weeks of nutrition classes and 6 weeks of beginner exercise classes, alternating each week. 12 week series on Wednesdays. Series dates: 1/4/2023 – 3/22/2023; 4/5/2023 – 6/21/2023; 7/5/2023 – 9/20/2023; 10/4/2023 – 12/20/2023. 5:30 pm. Instructor: Lorraine Bonkowski

Nutrition for Brain Health

Role of nutrition in brain health and risk of common neurologic disorders. Key components of diet for brain health. Simple strategies to incorporate each recommendation into your daily life. Second Thursday of the month. 2:30 pm. Instructor: Danielle Karsies

Nutrition and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Lifestyle changes aimed at stabilizing blood sugar, including balanced intake of whole foods that are high in plant based fiber. Promoting anti-inflammatory properties. Every fourth Wednesday of the month. 3 pm. Instructor: Shannon Bebb

Plant Based Eating: Fundamentals

Fundamentals of plant-based eating. Creating a nutritionally balanced plant-based eating pattern including nutrients of interest. Discussion around plant-based food products and resources. First Wednesday of the month. 4 pm. Instructor: Amber Spencley

Plant Based Eating: Adding Beans to your Diet

An overview of legumes as a plant based staple. Learning nutrition benefits, cooking methods, and add legumes into your diet. Second Wednesday of the month. 4 pm. Instructor: Amber Spencley

Plant Based Eating: Adding Soy to your Diet

An overview of soy as a plant based staple. Learning nutrition benefits, how to cook and healthfully add soy to the diet. Third Wednesday of the month. 4 pm. Instructor: Amber Spencley

Plate It Up

Planning healthful and delicious meals based on the Plate Method. Getting tips on increasing flavor, choosing quality convenience foods, and optimizing your health through food. Third Wednesday of the month. 12 pm (45 min class). Instructor: Brenda Allison Fay

Plate It Up - On the Go!

Tips for busy people for foods to pack/purchase in order to meet healthy eating goals when away from home or at restaurants. Fourth Wednesday of the month. 12 pm (45 min class). Instructor: Brenda Allison Fay

Prediabetes

The definition of prediabetes and what your lab values mean. Strategies to improve your blood sugar by balancing diet. Participants setting a goal based on presentation content. Meets weekly with various times and days. Instructors: all primary care RDNs

Reducing Added Sugars

Recommended amounts of added sugars. Identifying and reading labels for added sugars. Tips for reducing daily intake of added sugars. Second Wednesday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Amanda Imperiale

Tackling Obstacles to Weight Loss

Identifying your obstacles to weight loss. Goal setting to help establish new habits. Fourth Thursday of the month. 11 am. Instructor: Emilie Klemptner

Type 1 Diabetes: Living with Diabetes

For our Diabetes Courses specifically, a doctor referral is needed to attend classes. For more information on any of the Diabetes courses including class cost and registration, please call 734-998-2475. Various instructors or Diabetes Education Program staff lead the courses. Series of three classes meeting once a week on Tuesday (virtually); series is held every other month. 5 pm - 7:30 pm.

Type 2 Diabetes: Living with Diabetes

For our Diabetes Courses specifically, a doctor referral is needed to attend classes. For more information on any of the Diabetes courses including class cost and registration, please call 734-998-2475. Various instructors or Diabetes Education Program staff lead the courses. Series of four classes meeting once a week on Monday (virtually) or on Wednesdays (in person at Domino's Farms); series is held every month except December. Monday 5 pm - 7:30 pm. Wednesday 9:30 am - noon.

Family Course Offerings

All courses are instructed by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Target audience: registration is for patients of any age (all classes are 30 minutes unless otherwise noted)

Family Meal Planning

Planning delicious meals for adults, teens and children and finding foods that can be bought on a budget. Second Wednesday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Jennifer Montesi

Healthy Habits

12 healthy lifestyle habits, and how to get started by picking 1-2 habits to work on. Second Thursday of the month. 11 am. Instructor: Emilie Klemptner

Prenatal Nutrition: Nourishing Mom and Baby

Balancing nutrition during all trimesters to keep mom healthy and fuel baby growth and understanding key nutrients: folate, iron, calcium and healthy fats, and practicing food safety. Second Thursday of the month. 1:30 pm. Instructor: Shannon Bebb

Quick & Healthy Meal Prep

Shortcuts to save time cooking at home. Redefinig "convenience foods" as healthy options. Preparing delicious, quick & healthy homecooked meals. First and third Monday, second and fourth Thursday. 4:30 pm. Instructor: Sherilyn Rickard

Simple Recipes, Simple Meals

Learning ideas for simple meals and recipes using basic equipment and seasonings. First Thursday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Jennifer Montesi

Pediatric Course Offerings

All courses are instructed by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Target audience: registration is for patients 0-18 years of age. Patient and/or caregiver may attend for the registered patient. (all classes are 30 minutes unless otherwise noted)

ARFID vs. Picky Eating: What's the Difference? What Can I Do?

A review of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and the differences between ARFID and picky eating management for adolescents to young children. The differences in approach and treatment to caring for children/adolescents with ARFID and picky eating. Usable strategies for caring for children/adolescents with ARFID. First Tuesday of the month. 3 pm. Instructor: Emily Bair

Fantastic Fats and Where to Find Them

Why fat is important for our health, and incorporating healthy fats into recipes for the whole family. Second and third Thursday of the month. 3:30 pm. Instructor: Jessica Stoscup

Feeding Your 0-2 year old

Normal progression from breastmilk/formula to solid foods, signs of readiness for solids, traditional purees versus baby-led weaning, and setting up a healthy environment. Target audience: Parents/caregivers of babies ages 3 months and older. First Tuesday of the month. 1:30 pm. Instructor: Allie Waisanen

Food Talk: Helping Kids Build Positive Relationships with Food

Building a healthy relationship between food and your body, decreasing stress during mealtimes, and encouraging joyful exploration of new food. Targeted audience: parents/cargivers. First and second Thursdays of each month at 1 p.m. with Allie Waisanen (No groups with Allie in April, July, December.) Classes with Khrystine Hendy on third and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. 

Food Talk 2.0 - Cooking Class

How to make quick, easy, delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Help families decrease stress during mealtimes. Encourage joyful exploration of new food and how to build a healthy relationship between food and your body. This cooking demo is part of the Food Talk 2.0 Group Class Series. Second Tuesdays of the month. 4 pm. Instructor: Kacie Krol

FPIES Tips and Troubleshooting

The class will discuss ideas to help overcome obstacles associated with FPIES food trials, provide tips for offering balanced nutrition despite having a FPIES diagnosis and suggest creative ways to incorporate “safe” foods into your child’s diet along with connecting you to other family members who are dealing with the same diagnosis. Third Tuesday of the month starting in June 2023. 9 am. Instructor: Megan Jozefowicz

Got Milk? Everything You Need to Know about Milk and Milk Allergy After Age 1

Recommendations for milk intake after age one. Key nutrients in milk. How milk-based alternatives can be appropriately used as a milk replacement. Techniques to deal with milk refusal and rejection. When vitamin/mineral supplementation is necessary. Second Tuesday of the month beginning in June 2023. 9 am. Instructor: Megan Jozefowicz

Introducing Allergy Foods to Infants

Up-to-date information on when and how to introduce top allergenic foods, and understanding signs and symptoms of allergic reactions. First Thursday of the month. 9 am. Instructor: Liz Hudson

Iron-Rich Foods for Your Growing Child

Importance of dietary iron intake in a child's development 2) Ways to incorporate iron rich food into your child’s diet. Third Wednesday of the month. 4 pm. Instructor: Jen Wortman

Is It Really Gluten-free? A Deeper Dive Into Label-Reading

A review of: Ingredients that contain gluten, including tricky/hidden sources. Gluten-free labeling and its definition. FALCPA (Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act) and allergen advisory statements. Third Thursday of the month. 3 pm. Instructor: Kiersten Waineo

*Picky Eaters Anonymous

Two-session group. Behavioral eating techniques for picky eaters aged 2-6, with a focus on healthy eating behaviors at the table, and recipes for parents/caregivers to try. Second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Odd months at 4 pm and even months at 9:30 am. Instructor: Allie Waisanen

Smart Snacking

Planning and preparing snacks the entire family will enjoy. First and third Mondays of the month. 4:30 pm. Instructor: Leah Kulhanek.

To Blend or Not to Blend: An Introduction to Blended Tube Feedings

Whether blended tube feedings are right for your child, outlining equipment needed, general transition to blended foods, and how to balance the nutrients. Third Thursday of the month. 12 pm. Instructor: Emily Freitag

Tube Feeding Safety 101

The basics of tube feeding safety, how to provide a safe and a germ-free tube feeding to your child. Second and third Wednesday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Salma Ali

Tube Feeding Weaning Guidelines/Expectations

What to expect during the tube weaning process, including: when a child is ready for tube weaning, types of processes for tube weaning, monitoring weight and height, and tips to promote oral intake during tube weaning. First Friday of the month. 12 pm. Instructor: Catherine Joppich

Vegetarian Diet for Children and Teens: A Beginner's Guide

Key considerations for children and teens eating a vegetarian diet. Identifying common nutrient deficiencies and ways to ensure adequate intake. Preparing nutrient dense meals and snacks, including plant-based protein sources. Second Tuesday of the month. 4:30 pm. Instructor: Leah Kulhanek