Cooking Up Energy

Cooking Up Energy, a 10-week cooking and nutrition education program, investigated program influence on body weight status and food-related behaviors in 56 youths. No significant change in body weight status in the group of matched pairs (N = 46) or in a subgroup of 22 overweight/obese participants (t22 = 0.1491; P > .05) was found. However, maintenance of weight velocity was achieved. Although no significant changes were found in meal preparation frequency, a trend was noted for increase in preparing breakfast and dinner. Program evaluations were positive, and most youths reported an intention to make healthier food choices following program completion.