berries on top of a waffle
Nutrition Specialty Programming
Cohort-based programs for employee well-being

Nutrition Specialty Programs

Notice Regarding Wellness Program (opens in a new window)

Specialty Programming Overview

Ohio University benefits-eligible employees and their spouses/partners are invited to participate in cohort-based specialty programming aimed at supporting healthy habits. 

Two nutrition-based programs exist under this offering: Mindful Eating (January-March) and Practical Nutrition (September-November). Details about these programs can be found below. 

In addition to nutrition-based programming, employees/spouses/partners can also participate in Risk Reduction

Practical Nutrition Specialty Class:

Discover the How of Healthy Eating — A 7-Week Nutrition Experience Just for Ohio University Employees and Their Spouse/Partners.

You know what you should be eating — now learn how to actually make it work in your busy life.

Practical Nutrition is a unique, 7-session virtual course designed exclusively for benefits-eligible Ohio University employees and their spouse/partners. Led by Registered Dietitian Louise Cruz, RDN, LD, this program goes beyond the basics to help you turn nutrition know-how into real-life habits that fit your schedule, your tastes, and your budget.

Each week, you'll join a live Teams session featuring expert insights on focused topics — from energizing breakfasts and smarter lunches to budget-friendly dinners and satisfying snacks. Then, enjoy follow-up cooking demos and delicious recipes you can try at home. You'll even get the chance to share your own kitchen wins with the group.

Course Highlights:

  • Everyday Nutrition Made Simple
  • Breakfast Basics
  • Nutrition-Packed Lunches
  • Quick, Delicious Dinners
  • Satisfying (and Healthy!) Snacks
  • Smart Shopping Strategies
  • Budget-Friendly Meal Planning
Woman and child grocery shopping in produce aisle

Join us and transform your “shoulds” into “doables” — one bite at a time.

FALL 2025 dates:  9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/24, 10/31  (*No class 10/17)

Registration for the Fall Cohort is now open! This program is offered at no cost to benefits-eligible employees and their spouses/partners. Space is limited so register today! 

Online Registration

 

What is Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating is a type of eating that focuses on eating experiences, body-related sensations, and thoughts and feelings about food, with heightened awareness without judgment. When you eat mindfully, you use all of your physical and emotional senses to experience and enjoy the food choices that you are making.

Mindful Eating Specialty Class: 

If you are ready to toss the New Year diet tradition and heal your relationship with food and your body, this is the program for you. In this 6-module program, you will not only learn the foundations of Mindful Eating, but also how to use these concepts when eating for your best health, eating out and meal planning. You will look at the reasons why you eat and gain the tools, skills and support you need to avoid emotional eating. You will learn to listen to your body’s cues and how to best respond to them. This updated program is packed with new information, research and fun!

  • Eligibility: This program is available to all Ohio University benefits-eligible employees and their spouses/partners. The course is facilitated via Teams, so is open to all work types (remote/in-person/hybrid) and locations.
  • Dates: The 6-module program meets (virtually via Teams) every other week, January through March, annually.
  • Cost: $0, thanks to support from Ohio University Benefits Office
  • Registration for the next cohort is now closed.
Woman eating mindfully

Additional Nutrition Services

Check out the various additional nutrition offerings available to the campus and community:

  • Nutrition Counseling

    WellWorks offers private one-on-one nutrition counseling services. 

  • Produce Buying Club

    Joining a Produce Buying Club is a great way to get fresh, local, pesticide-free vegetables without going to the market.

  • Presentations

    Request to have the WellWorks RDN attend a staff meeting to present on a variety of nutrition topics,