FREE: Informed Consumer Class. Register by: January 9

No one likes feeling “under the weather.” Missing work or school and re-arranging schedules is inconvenient, to say the least. Now there is a simple, natural and safe way to take control of your health all year round, particularly during periods of physical or lifestyle stress. Join us for an interesting evening with Matt Steiner from Immune Health Basics. He will deliver important information about what Beta Glucans are, who can safely take them (kids included), and how they can super-charge white blood cells to optimize immune health. Educate yourself about how the body works so that you have the information you need to take charge of your own immune health this winter.

FREE: Informed Consumer Class. Register by: January 17

If you have ever wanted to make a tea that is perfect for you, this is your chance! Explore tea blending with local tea expert Virginia Ferlet of Bumble Bee Teas. Now that the rush of the holidays is over, come slow down with us and enjoy this fun filled class. Students will be introduced to the basic characteristics of various teas used in tea blending. We will sample individual teas and have an opportunity to create your very own tea. Enjoy bringing home your special tea blend along with the knowledge of how to create interesting aromatic tea blends for yourself and to share with your friends!

Class limited to 15 participants, please register early! Register by: January 20

If you have, or know someone who has multiple food allergies, now is the time to take advantage of the combined experiences of Kristin Beltaos’ humorous coaching skills and Janelle Meier’s delicious chow in Food Allergies 101. Whether you are newly diagnosed or a seasoned veteran, this class will help you feel optimistic, confident and prepared to navigate the anxiety, obstacles and cooking challenges associated with food restrictions. Culinary Theme: Breakfast Ideas

FREE: Informed Consumer Class. Register by: January 22

Awareness that there is a sugar consumption issue in this country may not be enough motivation to curtail your own out of control sugar habits. Join Wellness Associates Tony Landkamer and Lette Gamble as they take you on a journey through the land of sweeteners. They will explore what happens in the body when too much sugar is consumed; take a look at the difference between natural vs. artificial sweeteners as well as high fructose corn syrup. You will learn about sweetener alternatives such as stevia, agave, Lo Han, xylitol and how they impact the body. Take time to learn about all your sweetening options to help you make healthy decisions on which sweeteners to use and how much to include in a healthy diet.

FREE: Informed Consumer Class. Register by: January 27

Cleansing can be EASY! Changing just one thing may help you detox. Cleansing can be an amazing tool to help you feel more energetic by bringing your body back into balance. It may even help you shed unwanted pounds! Learn from people who have tried and experienced different cleanses and know first hand what to expect. We will go over why to cleanse and what type of cleanse is appropriate for which time of year. You will also get tips on how to maintain a cleansing lifestyle.

Cost: $15/$10 members. Register by: January 31

It's winter in Minnesota. The wind is howling and the snow is falling, but you're inside enjoying a heart-warming and heart-healthy bowl of soup! There's nothing like a pot of steaming soup bubbling away on the stove to make even the coldest of days seem cozy. We'll use a wide palate of vibrant spices, colorful seasonal vegetables and earthy grains to create four delicious and good-for-you soups including Peruvian Quinoa and Fava Bean, Thai Chicken-Jasmine with Lime and Coconut, African Beef and Peanut, and Tuscan Cranberry Bean and Sausage with Parmesan.

FREE: Informed Consumer Class. Register by: February 3

Everyone is taking omega-3 fatty acids, but supplementing needs vary based on multiple factors. The conversation has changed with the increased accessibility to omega-3 home blood tests. Today we have a better understanding of food and lifestyle choices that can influence this score. Former Director of the National Institute of Health, Dr. Bernadine Healy, suggests it’s the most important information we can know about our health in the coming decade. Correcting the global omega-3 deficiency is something that Robb Doser is happy to guide out of a guessing game and into a scientific, individual assessment. Omega-3 blood tests will be available for purchase while we look at ways to help you choose the appropriate levels of supplementation to correspond with your dietary choices.

FREE: Informed Consumer Class. Register by: February 6

Come and learn about simple strategies to take care of your winter-fatigued complexion using skin and body care from Lakewinds’ Wellness Department! Some of our favorite skin care lines will be demonstrated like Andolou, our exciting new and affordable skin care line based on fruit stem-cell technology, Alafia with its lovely full line of skincare based on the benefits of shea butter, gentle herbs and oils, and the well-formulated Mineral Fusion make-up, skin and body care. We will also touch on the tried and true products of Evan Healy, Suki, and Dr. Hauschka. Get the information you need to find the right skin care products for your skin. Join us before Valentine’s Day and love your face!

FREE: Informed Consumer Class. Register by: February 13

Food should provide energy, not drain it. A plant-based diet provides multiple benefits. Low in saturated fat and sodium, a plant-based or whole food diet has been shown in many studies to lower risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. In this class you will learn why nutrient density is more important than calories. Tuuli will discuss how common allergens that are avoided on a plant-based diet can lead to increased energy, reduced pain, better bowel health, bone health and heart health via alkalinization and increased nutrient absorption. We will spend some class time making smoothies and sharing recipes from professional Ironman Triathlete Brendan Braizier’s new plant-based recipe book.

FREE: Informed Consumer Event. Register by: February 20

Come and join us in Lakewinds’ Classroom to watch the feature film Forks Over Knives. This provocative movie examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. As Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. There will be an optional discussion to follow the show.

“A Great Film”, Sanjay Gupta, MD, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent “Richly Inspiring”, Kevin Thomas, The Los Angeles Times “Convincing, Radical and Politically Volatile”, John Anderson, Variety