PASADENA, Calif. - Mindsets are changing around food on a national level, but especially in Southern California.

This is something Sandy Surrett noticed and wanted to learn more about since having her son. It triggered her interest in seeing food as health.

“I was kind of raised in the generation of food is chemicals and low fat and that's not what I wanted for him,” said Surrett.

After 25 years working in finance, this interest has now become her new career path. She's currently a student at the Institute of Culinary Education in the new Health-Supportive Culinary Arts Program.

“It marries the culinary side and the nutrition aspect,” said Surrett.

Lead instructor at the school, Elliott Prag, teaches his students this very subject in the only accredited program of its kind on the West Coast.

“Can you learn things in industry by trial and error and by working with different people? Yes. But this gives you the whole spectrum beginning-to-end of exposure to different diets and different dietary approaches. Also, cooking local, seasonal, and whole cuisine,” said Prag.

He noticed the change in mindset surrounding food. Now organic local and fresh produce is seen in most grocery stores and restaurants because the consumer expects it.

“People have a greater awareness of ever before of the Western diet and what it has done to our health,” said Prag.“People have a greater awareness of ever before of the Western diet and what it has done to our health,” said Prag.

The program is taught by experienced industry professionals that demonstrate how food can heal. The classes learn basic culinary techniques like any other program, but they use organic, whole produce and ingredients that are mostly plant based. For example, they are learning how to braise, but using vegetables instead of meat.

“I see the customers demand these things, even in more traditional restaurants people want healthier alternatives,” said Prag.

Surrett doesn’t want to use her training to work in a restaurant. She would rather focus on nutrition and helping others. She says she plans to help clients transition to the new diet with recipes or even the ability to cook for them.

According to this new program, healing your body starts in the kitchen.

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