Walnut Hills Stories

This past fall, Walnut Hills hosted a Dining with Diabetes Cooking School, a hands-on program designed for people managing diabetes and those who support them. Led by experts from Pomerene Hospital and Ohio State University Extension, the series offered residents and neighbors a chance to explore practical nutrition tips and delicious, balanced meals.

Over four sessions, participants enjoyed live cooking demonstrations. Instructors prepared a full meal—main dish, side, and dessert—right before their eyes, sharing tips for healthy variations and flavor-forward cooking. Participants also took home handouts and a cookbook with 50 recipes, including a full holiday meal, so the lessons could continue in their own kitchens. 

“One of the best things about the program is being able to answer people’s questions—and put all the pieces together,” said Kate Shumaker, Extension Educator. “Participants often say no one has ever explained diabetes and meal planning so clearly before.”

Wellness in Action at Walnut Hills

Small class sizes in the cozy Troyer House created a relaxed atmosphere where participants felt comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning from each other. “It’s not a doctor’s appointment,” Kate said. “People feel comfortable opening up, and learning in a way that actually makes sense for their everyday life.”

At Walnut Hills, caring for the body is part of a larger calling to nurture the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Programs like Dining with Diabetes show that wellness is more than a habit—it’s a celebration of life. Every meal prepared, every tip tried at home, and every shared conversation is a step toward honoring God’s gift of health and enjoying it together as a community.

Flavorful Lessons: Simple Tips 

Managing diabetes starts with a balanced plate: fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables and split the other half between lean protein and whole grains. These simple, flavor-forward ideas offer easy ways to nourish your body while enjoying every bite:

Mashed Potatoes
Steam or roast cauliflower until tender, then blend it with cooked potatoes for a creamy mash with added nutrients. Frozen riced cauliflower makes it even easier to stir into favorite potato dishes.

Spices
A simple chicken breast becomes Jamaican chicken with a little cayenne, cinnamon, and allspice or Moroccan chicken with some ginger and coriander. 

Herbs
Chop fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, rosemary, or thyme and mix with a little oil to flavor veggies or meats. Freeze extras in ice cube trays for easy, ready-to-use seasoning year-round.

Recipe Highlight: Broccoli and Mandarin Orange Salad 

Participants explored a variety of healthy, flavorful dishes during the series. One example of a simple, balanced recipe you can enjoy at home is a crisp salad of broccoli florets and sweet mandarin oranges, tossed with a light dressing. 

Why it works for diabetes:

• Non-starchy vegetables: Broccoli adds fiber and nutrients without spiking blood sugar.
• Fruit in balance: Mandarin oranges bring natural sweetness with controlled carbs.
• Flavor & texture: Crunchy meets juicy for a satisfying, vibrant dish.
• Quick & easy: Ready in minutes for everyday meals. 

In a large bowl, whisk together the grapefruit juice, shallot, olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Add broccoli and mandarin oranges, stir gently so as to not break up the oranges. Sprinkle with pecans.