2026 Better You! Nutrition Masterclass Series at Dr. Wilkinson's

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs invites local Calistogians and visitors alike to embrace their culinary and health curiosities and attend the Better You! Workshop Series at House of Better at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort. Nutrition Masterclass Workshops are presented by Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist Mary Sheila Gonnella, NC, BCHN of Occidental Nutrition, LLC.

All classes include a complimentary bowl of House of Better's signature Green Chile Stew. Join us Thursday evenings from 6pm -7pm.

NUTRITION MASTERCLASS SCHEDULE:

FEBRUARY 19 - Blood Sugar Balance for a Longer, more Vital Life

Blood sugar balance is one of the most powerful predictors of health span. This class explores how glucose regulation impacts weight, energy, mood, brain health, and cardiovascular risk as we age. You’ll learn practical, realistic strategies to stabilize blood sugar without extreme diets, supporting metabolic flexibility and vitality for the long run.

MARCH 19 - Microbiome Wisdom for Lifelong Health

Your gut microbiome plays a central role in digestion, immune resilience, inflammation, and even mood and cognition. This session dives into the gut–immune–aging connection, offering practical ways to nourish beneficial bacteria, reduce gut-driven inflammation, and support lifelong health through food and daily habits.

MAY 7 - Muscle Is Medicine: Strength for a Longer Life

Muscle is one of the most overlooked keys to longevity. In this session, we’ll explore how muscle mass protects metabolism, bones, balance, and independence as we age. Learn how nutrition, especially protein timing and quality, works alongside movement to prevent age-related muscle loss and support strength at every stage of life.

JUNE 11 - Anti-Inflammatory Living for Lifelong Health

Chronic, low-grade inflammation, often called “inflammaging”, is a major driver of aging and disease. This class focuses on how food, lifestyle, and daily rhythms influence inflammation, and how simple dietary shifts can help calm the immune system, protect tissues, and support long-term vitality.

JULY 9 - Heart Health, Metabolism, and the Long Game for Living a Vibrant Life

Heart health is about more than cholesterol numbers. This session takes a whole-body view of cardiometabolic longevity, exploring how nutrition influences blood sugar, lipids, inflammation, and vascular health over time. Learn practical strategies to support a strong heart, steady energy, and vibrant living for decades to come.

AUGUST 6 - A Sharp Mind at Any Age: Nutrition for Brain Longevity

Cognitive health is deeply connected to how we eat and live. This class explores the nutritional foundations of brain longevity, including blood sugar balance, healthy fats, micronutrients, and gut-brain communication.

Discover how to support memory, focus, and mood while reducing risk factors for cognitive decline.

SEPTEMBER 10 - Navigating Hormones Through the Decades

Hormonal shifts are a natural part of aging, for both women and men, but they don’t have to derail your health. This session explores how nutrition and lifestyle support hormones across the decades, including thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones. Learn how to nourish balance, energy, and resilience through life’s transitions.

OCTOBER 8 - Built to Last: Nutrition for Strong Bones and Mobility

Bone health is about far more than calcium. This class explores the full nutritional picture behind strong bones, joints, and mobility, including minerals, vitamins, protein, and inflammation. Learn how to support structural strength and movement so you can stay active, confident, and resilient as you age.

NOVEMBER 12 - Strong Immune Resilience for Lifelong Vitality

A resilient immune system isn’t about constant “boosting”, it’s about balance and adaptability. This session explores how nutrition, stress, sleep, and seasonal rhythms influence immune health as we age. Learn practical strategies to support immune resilience, reduce inflammation, and protect vitality year-round.

DECEMBER 10 - Mind, Mood, and the Art of Aging Well

Longevity is not just physical, it’s emotional and nervous-system health, too. This December session explores the powerful relationship between food, mood, stress, and the mind-body connection. Learn how mindful eating, nervous system regulation, and supportive rituals can enhance emotional resilience, joy, and meaning as you age.