1 Day Introduction to Baking as Lifestyle Medicine – 1st August 2025

£299.00

One Day Introduction to Healthy Bread

What even is healthy bread? Is it about fibre? Fermentation? Or something deeper—like the way it connects us to our health, our environment, and each other?

Join Dr Vanessa Kimbell for an Introduction Day that unpacks these questions and introduces the Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM) framework. Through hands-on demonstrations and practical insights, you’ll explore how healthier, more sustainable bread can become a tool for preventative healthcare. Designed for healthcare professionals, this day is more than an event—it’s the start of a new way to think about bread and community. Step into the future of bread as the foundation to preventative healthcare and reshape your approach to your community and wellbeing.

Due to High Demand, Enrolment Is via Waiting List Only.

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SKU: N/A Category: 1 day introduction the BALM workshops

Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM): An Interactive Demonstration and Theory Day

Uncover the Science of Nourishing Bread

This is an Ideal day for anyone considering enrolling on the Sourdough School Diploma to learn more about Baking as Lifestyle Medicine. This is a taster day and an immersive experience exploring the fascinating work behind the theory and practice of Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM) and application of the knowledge into the bread that we eat every day.

What to Expect:

Sourdough bread making demonstration
Sourdough starter discussion
Tasting and understanding nourishment
Understanding why some bread harms and other bread heals.
Insights into the connection between bread, gut microbiome, and mental health.

Important Note:

Baking Sourdough is a 3 day process. A one day course has to condense this into a short window, so the style of this class is what we term participative demonstration. You’ll see each stage of the bread making process you won’t be making the bread yourself. Some baking experience is useful but not essential and you will get to touch, smell, feel and connect to the bread as part of the day.

Perfect For:

Bakers seeking to deepen their knowledge
Healthcare professionals interested in nutritional approaches
Anyone passionate about the science behind beneficial bread-making

You’ll Gain Insights On:

Evidence-based approaches to creating nourishing bread
The impact of bread on microbiome and mental health
Applications in social prescribing
Enhancing nutritional value in bakery products
Personalising bread for specific dietary needs

Join us for a day of discovery and learning as we delve into the theory and demonstration of BALM techniques. Watch firsthand how we craft bread while we explore the science behind our methods.

Please note This day is designed to equip you with understanding, knowledge and inspiration, however it is not to teach hands-on baking skills. You’ll gain valuable insights to apply to your professional practice or personal interest in health-conscious baking, but to learn how to make sourdough we recommend a 3 day course, the retreat or The Diploma.

Course Itinerary

10:00 AM – Arrival and Welcome

Welcome to The Sourdough School, set in the beautiful Victorian home for Dr Vanessa Kimbell in Northamptonshire.
Introduction to the day’s schedule and team members.
Tea and coffee and a tasting session of various breads

10:30 AM – Organic Gardens Tour

Diversity, Botanical Blend flour theory and milling, with a walk around our organic gardens, showcasing the natural beauty and sustainable practices that inspire the Botanical Blend Flour, linking soil systems, fermentation and gut health to bread and mental health.

11:00 AM – Bread Demonstration and discussion on personalisation

Live demonstration of bread preparation and the critical stages of fermentation that change the structure of bread.
Discussion of the dietary intervention studies from Vanessa’s Doctorate, and the results of the changes in the gut microbiome of participants and the role of fibre and diversity in supporting a healthy microbiome.

11:45 AM – Fermentation and Nutritional Quality

Explaining the mechanisms of fermentation and its role in enhancing the bioavailability of key nutrients and why this is especially relevant for neurodiversity .
How fermentation improves the nutritional quality of bread for all. –

1:00 PM – Vegetarian Lunch

A delicious sourdough vegetarian lunch representing the BALM protocol’s principles, showcasing fibre, diversity, probiotics, and polyphenols – focusing on symbiotic and sequenced eating.

3:00 PM – Afternoon Bread Demonstrations

Further discussion on modern bread vs an evolutionary approach to bread and bread-making demonstrations
Discussions on how BALM helps manage blood sugar, weight, mental health, gut microbial health, and wellness in various social settings.

3:30 PM – Social Prescribing and Nutritional Applications

How baking can improve wellness for elderly people, teenagers, and those with specific nutritional needs.

4:30 PM – Q&A Session

An interactive session to answer your questions about the BALM protocol, fermentation, and baking techniques.
Introduction to the two-year diploma programme, highlighting major topics and learning outcomes. 5PM

5:30 PM – Conclusion and Diploma Information

Students will have the opportunity to discuss enrolling in the two-year diploma programme.
Take-home sourdough starter and baking kits for those enrolling in the diploma.

6:00 PM – End of Day

Concluding remarks and next steps.
Take home a signed book
Sourdough starter
A bag of Botanical Blend flour

We look forward to welcoming you to The Sourdough School and guiding you through the transformative journey of Baking as Lifestyle Medicine.

Additional information

Attendance Choice	In Person, Virtual

How baking can improve wellness for elderly people, teenagers, and those with specific nutritional needs

Introduction to Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM)

The Sourdough School stands at the intersection of traditional baking and modern health science. For those attending this introductory day, we offer a unique approach that leverages evidence-based protocols to enhance both physical and mental health. Central to this is our Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM) protocol, a seven-step framework designed to make baking a vital part of a healthy lifestyle.

The BALM Protocol

The BALM protocol, which stands for Baking as Lifestyle Medicine, encompasses evidence-based principles to ensure the bread we bake is nourishing and beneficial. Unlike typical methods where bread and cakes can harm health or be at best neutral, our approach transforms baking into a health-enhancing activity. You will learn how to apply these principles to create personalised bread recipes tailored to various health conditions.

Community and Support

One of the most unique aspects of The Sourdough School is our community support system. Weekly live meetings provide a space for members to share experiences, ask questions, and learn together. This community aspect is vital for behavioural change, helping members integrate healthy baking into their daily lives. Dr. Kimbell will explain more about the importance of community in supporting lifestyle medicine.

Detailed Health Benefits

Obesity: With rising obesity rates, engaging in the process of making and learning about bread can be a powerful tool. Our bread supports a healthy diet by providing essential nutrients and fibre, helping to combat obesity and promoting overall health. You will discover how personalised bread recipes can help manage weight and improve overall health.

Mental Health: Baking, particularly in a community setting, has significant mental health benefits. It fosters a sense of achievement and well-being, supports routine and rhythm, and provides a creative outlet. Our bread supports cognitive function and mental health by ensuring the availability of key neurotransmitters and metabolites needed for brain health. Dr. Kimbell will discuss the mental health benefits of baking in detail.

Children’s Health: Addressing the health of children is crucial, particularly in light of increasing rates of obesity and other health issues. Engaging children in the process of making and understanding bread can instil healthy eating habits. Our bread provides the essential nutrients and fibre needed for their growth and development, making it an excellent addition to their diet. You will learn how to involve children in baking to promote healthy eating habits.

Teenagers and Pizza: Teenagers often prefer fast food, but our approach includes making healthy, delicious options like sourdough pizza. This not only appeals to their taste preferences but also ensures they receive the necessary nutrients and fibre. Baking together can also serve as a bonding activity, promoting mental health and well-being. You will discover how to create healthy pizza options that appeal to teenagers.

Bowel Cancer Prevention: Increasing fibre and nutrient diversity in the diet is crucial for families with a history of bowel cancer. Our bread enhances the bioavailability of key minerals and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which are vital for preventative health measures. The diversity in fibre supports gut health and may reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Dr. Kimbell will explain the role of personalised bread in bowel cancer prevention.

Cancer Support: For individuals undergoing chemotherapy, our bread recipes are designed to accommodate changes in taste and texture preferences. Chemotherapy can alter taste buds, making certain foods unpalatable. Our recipes are tailored to provide essential nutrients and maintain calorie intake during treatment, ensuring patients receive the necessary nourishment. You will learn how to personalise bread for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

Blood Sugar Management: Proper management of blood sugar levels is essential for overall health, especially for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. Our bread helps manage blood sugar levels by providing a steady release of carbohydrates, reducing spikes and crashes. This contributes to better overall glycaemic control and supports long-term health. Dr. Kimbell will discuss the benefits of personalised bread in managing blood sugar levels.

ADHD, ASD, and Autism: Our bread is specifically designed to support neurodiverse individuals by providing increased fibre and nutrients that create metabolites beneficial to brain function. The fermentation process reduces gluten and FODMAP content, making the bread easier to digest and reducing bloating and discomfort. This is crucial as it can help manage the unique dietary needs associated with these conditions. You will discover how to tailor bread recipes to support neurodiverse individuals.

Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity and IBS: While we do not specifically work with coeliac disease, our fermentation process degrades gluten and FODMAPs, making the bread easier to digest for those with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and IBS. This reduces bloating, pain, and discomfort, supporting better digestive health. Dr. Kimbell will explain the benefits of our fermentation process for individuals with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and IBS.

Women’s Health: During menstruation and menopause, women often need additional support for managing symptoms like constipation and bloating. The soluble fibre in our bread aids gut transit and supports overall digestive health during these times. Additionally, our bread provides nutrients that can help balance hormone levels and support women’s health. You will learn how to create bread recipes that support women’s health.

Athletic Performance: Athletes benefit greatly from our focus on gut microbiome support and nutrient availability. Our bread helps maintain blood sugar balance and extends nourishment through polyphenols, aiding muscle repair and overall performance. Athletes often suffer from gut dysbiosis, and our bread helps restore gut health, which is essential for peak performance. Dr. Kimbell will discuss the benefits of personalised bread for athletic performance.

Anaemia Management: The fermentation process in our bread neutralises phytic acid, making key minerals like iron more bioavailable. This is particularly beneficial for those managing anaemia, as it helps in the retention and absorption of iron levels, thereby improving overall health. You will discover how to personalise bread to support anaemia management.

Sleep Quality: Proper sleep is crucial for overall health, and our bread supports this by providing essential nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. These nutrients help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality. The fermentation process also enhances the production of serotonin, which is a precursor to melatonin, further supporting restful sleep and managing insomnia. Dr. Kimbell will explain how personalised bread can improve sleep quality.

Elderly Nutrition: Supporting the elderly in maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for their overall well-being. Our bread provides essential nutrients, easy digestibility, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which are vital for older adults. Baking also provides a sense of purpose and community engagement, enhancing mental health and well-being. You will learn how to tailor bread recipes to support elderly nutrition.

Conclusion

Attending this course at The Sourdough School offers more than just baking skills; it provides a holistic approach to health through our BALM protocol. With over two decades of experience and numerous dietary intervention studies supporting our methods, we offer a proven way to improve both physical and mental health. The joy of baking, the sense of community, and the health benefits make this course a unique and enriching experience. We invite you to discover the transformative power of baking as lifestyle medicine