Shemecka McNeil calls it “stainless-steel syndrome.” Similar to “white coat syndrome” that describes the aversion some people have to going to doctors, those suffering stainless steel syndrome have an aversion to preparing healthy foods. McNeil is working to change that attitude, while transforming diets with a focus on healthier eating habits through the work she does with SLICE 325.

McNeil began SLICE 325 in 2017. SLICE is an acronym for Serving Locations Inviting Culinary Education, and McNeil and her team recently participated in the drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The non-profit has worked with other community organizations such as Families Living Violence Free and Area Congregations in Ministry food bank to promote healthy eating habits. “There are a lot of people out there who need help,” McNeil told Town Talk host John C. Rose Tuesday. The way she sees it, community support and healthy eating habits go hand in hand, helping people live a better life.

Whether it’s teaching people about alternatives to processed sugar or helping apartment dwellers create patio gardens for summer vegetables, McNeil said SLICE 325 can help change attitudes and habits about food preparation.

The five-week program is “home economics with a twist,” she said. Some of the topics they discuss are how to coupon and budget, creating container gardens and even dining etiquette. The groups take field trips to the grocery store or farmers market, too, she said.

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Healthy eating can reduce heart disease, cancer and stroke, she said. But preparing healthier choices is sometimes easier said than done. The five-week program called Creative Sustainability targets those with not a lot of extra money “leverage their resources in order to create healthy meals for themselves and their families,” according to the non-profit’s website. Participants can learn how to tweak recipes to make them healthier but still tasty.

Want to lower your salt intake? McNeil and SLICE 325 can tell you how. Other suggestions: Agar sugar or monk fruit, in syrup form, are good replacements for processed sugar. You can put it in coffee or ice cream, McNeil said.  The spice turmeric reduces inflammation and lemon-infused water curbs the appetite, brightens the skin and cleanses the body, she added.

“We just show you what nature has provided for us,” McNeil said. Using foods that help your body heal is just one way to increase your activity level, which also promotes good health.

“You can have cheat days, it’s ok!” McNeil said. The goal, she said, is to help people. The five-week program costs $50 a person and is heavy on hands-on, not handouts and lectures, she said. “We love questions, we like to be personable,” McNeil said. “We make it fun for everybody.”

Eat anything you choose, McNeil said, but added, “as long as it’s in moderation.” It’s hard to stick to a healthy diet 365 days a year, she acknowledged. That’s where the “325” comes into play in the non-profit’s name. “We took off 40 days for mental health,” she said.

Visit slice325.org to learn more.

(This information is not provided to diagnose any health conditions or to provide any health advice.  Consult your physician.)