The Food Lab at Stony Brook Southampton is set to launch an innovative workshop series aimed at enhancing immune health through natural practices. Led by renowned health coach Nadia Ernestus, the workshops will provide participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in boosting their immunity using raw foods and natural remedies. The comprehensive program includes sessions on fermented foods, green smoothies, nourishing salads, herbal cooking, raw sweets, healthy dressings, on-the-go snacks, and salsas. Ernestus, a respected nutritional and lifestyle coach based in the Hamptons, brings her expertise from reversing her own diabetes diagnosis through diet to this new venture. The workshops commence in January 2025 and are open to all skill levels.

Exploring the Power of Raw Foods and Natural Remedies

This section delves into the core offerings of the workshop series, emphasizing the benefits of incorporating raw foods and natural remedies into daily life. Participants will learn about the advantages of consuming probiotic-rich fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, which support gut and immune health. They will also discover how nutrient-dense green smoothies can enhance their immune system and explore vibrant salads that use colorful vegetables and immune-supportive dressings.

In addition, attendees will gain insights into the role of herbs in cooking and teas for building immune resilience. Through interactive sessions, they will prepare herbal dishes and infusions that naturally strengthen the body's defenses. Furthermore, the workshops will cover the creation of raw sweets that satisfy sweet cravings while boosting immunity. Participants will also learn to make delicious raw dressings and marinades that add flavor and immune-boosting benefits to meals. Finally, they will prepare on-the-go snacks like energy bites and chips, ensuring they have immune-friendly options anytime, anywhere.

Pioneering Health Coach Brings Expertise to the Community

Nadia Ernestus, the leader of this initiative, is a highly regarded nutritional and lifestyle health coach based in the Hamptons. With a background in integrative nutrition and membership in the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Ernestus has been instrumental in promoting wellness philosophies through her interactive workshops. Her personal journey of reversing diabetes through dietary changes adds a unique dimension to her teachings. Ernestus is also the founder of Hamptons Brine, a company specializing in high-quality fermented foods, further cementing her expertise in the field.

The workshops, starting in January 2025, will be held weekly at the Food Lab on the Stony Brook Southampton campus. The Food Lab serves as a hub for culinary exploration, innovation, and education, fostering a dynamic environment where gastronomy meets science and sustainability. Its mission aligns with the goal of establishing Stony Brook University as a national center for studying food-related challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and resource scarcity. Participants of all skill levels are welcome to join these enlightening sessions, which promise to empower individuals with the tools to boost their immune health naturally.