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 and Gut Health

Learn about the link between joint health and gut health, where we stand with research and what we can do? A discussion of current evidence and a summary. Learn what nutrients and other lifestyle habits are significant for impacting gut health. Second Tuesday of the month. 1 pm. Instructor: Laura Tarnacki

Arthritis and Inflammation

1) Identify foods known to increase arthritis symptoms and disease progression 2) Learn foods known to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, plus discussion on supplements and evidence-based findings. Good for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other inflammatory arthritis patients. First Tuesday of the month. 1pm. Instructor: Laura Tarnacki

Arthritis: Protein, Muscles, Bones and Aging 

Learn how aging and arthritis can affect bones and muscle strength and affect mobility and independence. Review research for protein requirements in aging adults and why this is so important to the muscular-skeletal system.. Third Tuesday of the month. 1pm. Instructor: Laura Tarnacki

Arthritis Nutrition Overview

Overview of all arthritis nutrition classes: Inflammation, gut health, and muscular-skeletal health. 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: Brenda Fay and Rina Hisamatsu

Healthy Eating, Healthy Weight CHECK IN

1) Checking in with the Registered Dietitian on successes and struggles. 2) Continued focus on building healthy eating habits. 3) 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, fad diets and why they don’t work). **you must attend the "Healthy Eating, Healthy Weight" class once prior to signing up for the check in class. Every Wednesday of the month. 11 am. Instructor: Brenda Fay and Rina Hisamatsu

Healthy Habits

12 healthy lifestyle habits, and how to get started by picking 1-2 habits to work on. 2nd Thursday of the month. 11:00 a.m. Emilie Klemptner

*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 2024 on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Series 1: 1/10-2/28 Series 2: 3/6-4/24, Series 3: 8/7-9/25, Series 4: 10/2-11/13 & 11/27 (skipping 11/20 due to upcoming holiday). Instructor: Melissa Shannon-Hagen

Lowering the Pressure: Managing Hypertension with Lifestyle

Classes taught by cardiology RDNs (accepting primary care and cardiology hypertension referrals). 2 class Virtual series; each provider offers a series for the first 2 weeks of the month. Tuesdays 9 am, Wednesday at 11 am, Friday at 1:30 pm. 

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

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. 2nd Tuesday of the month. 1:00pm (45 min class). 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

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

Prediabetes Support Group

This is a support group for participants who have attended the Prediabetes Class. Group discussions will include, but are not limited to topics such as macronutrients, food tracking, meal planning, dining out, stress eating and food demos. Meets weekly on Wednesday, 12:30pm. Jennifer Montesi

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)

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. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. 1:30pm. 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. 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month. 8:30 am. Instructor: Sherilyn Rickard

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)

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. 3rd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. with Khrystine Hendy, and 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:30pm with Leah Kulhanek.

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. 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. 9 am. Instructor: Megan Jozefowicz

High Calorie Nutrition to Help your 1-10 Year-Old Grow and Gain

High calorie tips & tricks to help your child gain weight, including suggestions for high calorie meals, snacks, & oral supplements that increase calories without impacting volume of food eaten. 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month. 10am(2nd Th); 4pm(4th Th). Sherilyn Rickard

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. 1st & 4th Tuesday of the month. 9 am. Megan Jozefowicz. 

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

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. 2nd Tuesday of the month. 12 pm. Instructor: Emily Freitag

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