Confused about protein? You’re not alone, and social media isn’t making it any easier. Join us for this interactive, hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn how to build balanced, satisfying meals without relying on protein powders, restrictive rules, or viral hacks that don’t hold up.
Open to all adult community members, this class is designed as a fun experience whether you come on your own, bring a friend, plan a date night, or join with a teen (12+) and parent or guardian for a memorable shared activity. See information on a discount if you register as a pair below!
Together, we’ll cut through the noise around high-protein diets and trending nutrition advice. We’ll start with a short, engaging discussion that breaks down common nutrition myths—like how much protein you actually need, whether more is always better, and how to spot misleading claims online. Then, you’ll head into the kitchen to put those ideas into action by preparing a flavorful, high-protein crispy rice bowl featuring bold ingredients like seasoned ground turkey and edamame.
Designed to build real-life skills in cooking, nutrition literacy, and meal planning, this class offers a practical (and delicious) way to feel more confident with food while enjoying a fun experience with someone special—or treating yourself to something new.
COURSE AT A GLANCE
What will you gain?
- Build balanced meals with confidence using a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats without over-focusing on a single nutrient
- Identify common nutrition myths (especially around protein) and explain why they’re misleading
- Evaluate nutrition information online by recognizing red flags in social media and marketing claims
- Prepare a high-protein, balanced meal using accessible, affordable ingredients
- Apply simple cooking techniques at home, including pan-cooking proteins and creating crispy rice
Who should enroll?
This class is open to adults, as well as youth (age 12 and up) as long as they are registered and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We particularly welcome community members to our campus! We are also happy to offer a discount to UW-Stout alumni, students and staff.
What will it cost?
- Early Bird Discount (Register by June 18, 2026)
- Individual: $35
- Pair: $65
- Stout Proud Discount (UW-Stout Faculty, Staff, Student, and Alumni Registration) - See note below
- Individual: $35
- Pair: $65
- Regular Registration
- Individual: $40
- Pair: $75
Important Notes:
- Faculty/Staff/Students: Use your UW-Stout email when registering to receive discount. If registering as a pair, only one person in the pair must be faculty/staff/student; however, that person must be the one to complete the registration form since the discount is linked to their email.
- Alumni: Reach out to gieskingj@uwstout.edu to receive a discount code BEFORE completing the registration form. If registering as a pair, only one person in the pair must be an alum; however, that person must be the one to complete the registration form.
- Parents/Guardians: This class is open to youth (age 12 and up). Youth must be registered and accompanied for the entirety of the class by the parent/guardian.
- Waiting List: This class is limited to 18 participants, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible! We will have a waiting list if the class fills and will notify you if a space opens up, in order of completed registration.
- FAQs: For information on Payment and Cancellation Policy, Disability Accommodations, and other issues, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Miranda Roberts
Miranda Roberts is a registered dietitian and passionate educator who works at UW-Stout, where she supports students, athletes, and the campus community with practical, evidence-based nutrition guidance. She has been featured in several nutrition segments for WEAU 13 News, where she shares real-life strategies for healthy eating, meal planning, and fueling performance. Miranda focuses on making food feel approachable, flexible, and enjoyable. When she’s not working, you can find her walking her dog Joy, baking desserts from the Great British Baking Show, or at the gym prepping for her next powerlifting competition.
Communication Technologies (building #46 in the Campus Map below) -room 130; Lot 14 is the nearest to this location
Important Note:
Parking is free in all commuter lots after 4 pm on weekdays and on weekends (except reserved spaces).