About Me

smiling jessi holden dietitian standing in kitchen with produce in front of her

Hi, I’m Jessi!

Hello, families! Welcome or welcome back. I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a family-focused culinary registered dietitian, a mom of two hungry little ones, and a proud Muskegon native. Growing up here, I developed a deep love for food, community, and the joy that comes from gathering around the table. Now, I’m SO excited to bring hands-on cooking classes to my hometown, helping kids and families build confidence in the kitchen while having fun with food.

Why Family Cooking Classes?

In today’s fast-paced world, feeding our families can feel overwhelming. The pressure to cook from scratch is high, grocery budgets are tight, and mealtime battles can be exhausting. My goal? To simplify the process, bring joy back into the kitchen, and empower families—no matter their cooking experience—to create meals together. Through MI Little Cooks, I offer interactive cooking experiences that make learning fun, boost kitchen skills, and inspire kids to explore new flavors. Need more resources? You can visit my blog The Kitchen Invitation and family friendly recipes and free resources.

Who Are These Classes For?

As a mom, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to plan meals, keep food exciting, and get kids involved in cooking. That’s why I’ve designed my classes to be welcoming for all skill levels, from the littlest chefs just starting to explore, to families looking for new ways to connect through food. Whether you want to build confidence in the kitchen, introduce your kids to cooking, or simply enjoy a fun, hands-on experience, I’m here to help!

Let’s make cooking fun, stress-free, and full of flavor—together!

My Registered Dietitian Credentials

I became a registered dietitian in 2013, got my Masters degree in nutrition in 2015, and have been teaching cooking classes since. I taught Cooking Matters for four years in Muskegon and even when I worked for a local rehabilitation hospital I brought in cooking demonstrations and classes whenever I could.

As a registered dietitian I completed at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice through an accredited internship program, and passed a national registration exam.

As dietitians, we also complete 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years to keep on top of current topics and maintain our credentials.

Articles are reviewed and updated on an annual basis to account for new research and findings. All factual information included in the articles comes from peer-reviewed research articles. Any information based on professional experience is clearly specified as such.

Please note that the content on this site is general information only and should not be taken as personalized nutrition advice. Read my disclaimers for more information and consult with your healthcare practitioner before making any diet or lifestyle changes.

Cheers!

Hi! I’m Jessi, your new favorite family focused culinary dietitian. I help little hands explore big flavors through fun, hands-on cooking classes for kids and families. With MI Little Cooks, I make learning to cook a creative and confidence-building experience! Learn more about me here!

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