By NICOLE WILLIAMS
Food and exercise classes key to fitter future…
CARDINIA Shire Council is fighting the flab in Pakenham with a series of free healthy food and exercise events.
To coincide with the visit of the Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen, the shire has arranged a variety of activities for all age groups, with a focus on physical activity and healthy eating.
Even Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen is getting involved, having signed up for the Mobile Kitchen and completing his first class on Monday.
The 2009 Victorian Population Health Survey showed that less than 10 residents in Cardinia Shire ate enough fruit and vegetables and obesity levels were on the rise.
Jessica Simonis, a nutritionist from Cardinia Life, is running label reading classes and shopping tours to help educate residents on healthy eating habits.
“Regardless of age, whether young or in their senior years, people find they are empowered when knowing what foods go into their body,” Ms Simonis said.
“It is about taking the guesswork out and not leaving it to marketing.”
Ms Simonis said the programs on offer were a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the health of Pakenham and the Cardinia Shire Council.
“Statistics show that people not eating enough fruit and vegetables are really suffering at the moment,” she said.
“Having Ministry of Food here is an opportunity that we can’t waste.
“It is a chance for people to get inspired again.”
Cardinia Life is also running a series of free fitness classes for people of all fitness levels.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen said July was jam packed with events which gave residents the chance to learn new skills and meet new people.
“There are workshops and classes on composting, healthy eating for children, line dancing, gardening and making sense of food product labels, just to name a few,” Cr Owen said.
“There’s even a health ninjas session with former The Biggest Loser trainer Tiffiny Hall, aimed at children and teens aged between 10 and 18.”
Cr Owen said it was not too late for residents wanting to learn to cook easy, fresh, and healthy meals to book their place in the Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen, with August classes going on sale Monday 8 July.
“I really enjoyed my first class today. It’s terrific to be learning to cook some delicious, healthy new dishes for my family,” Cr Owen said.
“It’s fantastic value for money and a great investment in your health and wellbeing. It’s a really hands-on course which will be great fun, too.”
All activities are happening in or around Pakenham Library, on the corner of John and Henry streets.
All event dates, times and venues are listed on the events calendar on the council’s website www.cardinia.vic.gov.au. Bookings are not required.
For bookings and information on the Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen, visit www.jamiesministryoffood.com.
