Healthy Plant-Based Food Made Simple
One-day workshop
A practical introduction to plant-based eating, at the Core College campus in Castlecomer
A practical introduction to plant-based food and how to make it part of everyday life. Spend a day at the Core College campus in Castlecomer learning how to prepare nourishing, plant-based meals using fresh, whole ingredients.
Available Dates
Saturday, 20th June 2026
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Duration
One day
Hours
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Investment
€140 per person, inclusive
A day with food that nourishes the body
The Healthy Plant-Based Food Made Simple workshop is a one-day course at the Core College campus in Castlecomer. It is a practical introduction to plant-based eating, designed for anyone who wants to bring more fresh, whole foods into daily life, whether you are new to plant-based food, looking to improve your health and energy, or simply curious about what living foods can offer.
You will spend the day with Helen Costelloe, a Living Food Chef and Instructor. You will learn how fresh fruits and vegetables can support the body in a lighter, more natural way, and how small dietary shifts can make a meaningful difference over time. The day includes demonstrations, tastings, and discussions, with everything grounded in simplicity.
No previous experience with plant-based food is needed.
What the day covers
A short introduction to the foundations of plant-based living, beginning with one of the most overlooked aspects of health: hydration. We will look at the importance of water for energy, cleansing, and digestion, and introduce the concept of "living water" found naturally in fresh fruits and vegetables.
A central part of the day is understanding the value of living foods and how they support the body. You will see how fresh fruits and vegetables can begin to replace heavier foods, making meals feel both nourishing and satisfying.
Practical food preparation is woven throughout the day, with demonstrations of juices, smoothies, sprouts, microgreens, salads, dressings, raw soups, and healthy date-based desserts.
The foundations of plant-based living
The role of hydration and "living water"
How to make fresh juices and smoothies
Growing sprouts and microgreens at home
Preparing satisfying salads and dressings
Making comforting raw soups
Healthy date-based desserts using whole-food ingredients
The importance of soaking nuts and seeds
Tasting and discussion throughout the day
Who is this for?
The workshop is open to everyone. Beginners, anyone wanting to improve their health and energy, and anyone looking for practical inspiration to move towards lighter, more nourishing food choices are all welcome. You do not need any background in plant-based eating or cookery. The day is designed to be practical, encouraging, and useful from the first hour to the last.
Taught by working practitioners
A one-day workshop is only as good as the person running it. The Healthy Plant-Based Food Made Simple day is led by Helen Costelloe, a Living Food Chef and Instructor with years of experience teaching others how to bring plant-based food into everyday life.
Helen Costelloe
Living Food Chef and Instructor at Core College. Helen is the former owner of a busy plant-based restaurant and shares her passion for the health benefits of incorporating more organic living foods into the daily diet.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any background in plant-based food or cookery to attend?
1
No. The day is designed for beginners and anyone with a general interest. No previous knowledge is required.
What does the day actually involve?
2
A mix of teaching, demonstrations, tastings, and discussion. You will see how juices, smoothies, sprouts, salads, raw soups, and desserts are prepared, and you will have a chance to taste them throughout the day.
What should I bring?
3
A notebook and a pen are useful. Herbal teas are provided throughout the day. There is a break at lunchtime, and there are places nearby in Castlecomer with plant-based dining options.
Will I be able to make these recipes at home after the day?
4
Yes. You will leave with a clear understanding of how to prepare a wide range of simple, nourishing dishes using methods that are practical, enjoyable, and realistic for everyday life.
Next steps ❋
A practical introduction to plant-based eating at the Core College campus in Castlecomer. Spend a day learning how to prepare nourishing, plant-based meals using fresh, whole ingredients. The day includes demonstrations of juices, smoothies, sprouts, microgreens, salads, raw soups, and healthy date-based desserts, with tasting and discussion throughout. Led by Helen Costelloe, Living Food Chef and Instructor at Core College. Saturday 5 September 2026, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Core College, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.