Another excellent Just Cook Tika Tunu programme organised and delivered by Birte Becker-Steel down in the Nelson area. Just Cook Tika Tunu (and it's partner programme Just Cook Healthy Aging) are practical, hands-on cooking and nutrition programmes designed to empower participants to confidently prepare healthy meals for themselves, build essential cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and motivation to live well through healthier food choices.
Just Cook Facilitator Birte has been a great supporter of the programme, and brings her own brand of enthusiasm to the mahi she does. This time Birte took the approach of working with a group of youth and by all reports it was very well received. Examples of what the young people learned over three sessions were health and safety in the kitchen, makeup of some food (eg, sugar in drinks), what a healthy plate looks like, label reading, plant variety (30+ plant based foods a week), what to eat more off, fiber, recipes and recipe modification, portion sizes, seasonal veges, protein, home 'fake-aways'. Recipes included stir-fry, chili con carne, minestrone soup, potato chickpea curry, flatbread, and salad. A popular activity was the Motueka Masterchef Challenge where participants were divided into teams and had their amazing 'best burger in town' plates judged by specialty judges!
Congratulations Birte on another successful programme, and well done everyone who took part!
Anyone who would like to see what is available in their area (facilitators in Auckland and Nelson area as of December 2025), or who is interested in funding a Just Cook programme, please contact Diana at workplace@diabetesfoundationaotearoa.nz
