Learn how to cook for
a longer, healthier life.
Enhance your well-being and support a vibrant life
before and into your golden years.
Embrace the wisdom of longevity-focused cooking
Chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension are common among older adults, affecting over 80% of individuals aged 65 and older.
These conditions often stem from lifestyle choices made years before, including diet, and can significantly diminish quality of life. By adopting healthier eating habits inspired by the Blue Zones—regions where people routinely live past 100—and the principles of Ayurveda, you can reduce the risk of these diseases and enjoy a more vibrant and active retirement.
As we age, maintaining health and vitality becomes increasingly important.
I am dedicated to guiding new retirees, those approaching retirement, and those caring for retired parents on a path to longevity through culinary wisdom.
My cooking classes and recipes are designed to teach the art of nourishing meals that enhance well-being and support a vibrant life before and into our golden years.
Sardinia, Italy — one of the world’s Blue Zones
Three pillars of health for aging Americans
These play a significant role in overall well-being and are central to both Blue Zone and Ayurvedic philosophies.
MOVEMENT
Physical activity is essential for maintaining health in older adults. In Blue Zones, movement is naturally integrated into daily life activities. Ayurveda similarly emphasizes the importance of gentle, consistent exercise to maintain balance and vitality.
Simple daily practices such as cooking, gardening, or a gentle morning stroll can be incredibly beneficial.
COMMUNITY
Social connections are vital for mental and emotional health — and are a common denominator in Blue Zones. Similarly, Ayurveda recognizes the importance of community and supportive relationships in achieving overall well-being.
Cooking classes, whether online or in-person, provide a platform for social engagement with like-minded individuals who share the same wellness goals.
DIET
A balanced diet is key to managing chronic conditions and maintaining health in retirement.
Blue Zone and Ayurvedic diets are both predominantly plant-based, focusing on whole, seasonal foods that nourish the body and mind.
Reducing processed foods and exploring diverse, nutrient-rich cuisines can contribute to better health outcomes.
a holistic approach to longevity
Cooking Classes with Chef Jeremy
My immersive, one-of-a-kind cooking classes — offered both online and in-person — provide a uniquely holistic opportunity to address and prevent the health challenges many Americans face in retirement.
IMPROVE YOUR DIET
By integrating the principles of Blue Zones and Ayurveda, these classes emphasize the importance of a balanced, plant-based diet that is essential for managing chronic conditions and maintaining overall health while increasing longevity.
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
Cooking together fosters a sense of community and my classes provide a platform for social engagement and encourage the exploration of diverse cuisines, making healthy eating both enjoyable and accessible.
ENGAGE IN MOVEMENT
Plus, the physical act of cooking can serve as a form of gentle movement, promoting mobility and mental well-being. By participating in these classes, you can embrace a holistic approach to health that supports aging well and enhances your quality of life.
Your teacher, Chef Jeremy Rock Smith
Why JOIN US IN A CLASS?
Our unique cooking classes offer…
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Discover the secrets of the world's longest-living communities through Blue Zone and Ayurvedic-inspired cooking.
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Learn to cook flavorful, nutrient-dense meals tailored to longevity, while gaining foundational cooking skills and meal planning tips.
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Connect with your peers who share your passion for healthy living and holistic well-being.
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Our classes help you embrace a lifestyle that nurtures both body and soul, integrating movement, community and diet.
Sign up today & let’s cook together!
Join me in my engaging, hands-on classes where you'll explore the principles of Blue Zone and Ayurvedic cooking.
Learn to create delicious, nutritious meals that promote longevity, boost energy, and bring joy to your table. Each session—online or in-person—is an investment in your health, equipping you with the skills for a vibrant, fulfilling retirement.
Why wait for retirement to embrace a healthier lifestyle?
Adopting healthy habits earlier in life sets the foundation for optimal health in later years and enhances the quality of life at every stage.
Starting now means you’ll be better equipped to age gracefully, with fewer health concerns and a greater ability to enjoy the things and people you love well into retirement.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
I’m Chef Jeremy Rock Smith
Mix a dash of Julia, a pinch of Bourdain and a drop of Deepak—and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Chef Jeremy Rock Smith.
After spending the first 16 years of my culinary career, immersed in the fast-paced, high-energy world of traditional cooking, I eventually found myself drawn to a different path. The restaurant lifestyle—late nights, endless hustle—began to take its toll, leading me to seek a new approach.
In the early 2000s, I experienced what I like to call a "midlife cooking crisis." I actually stepped away from the kitchen for a few years and worked on building a house with my father (I come from generations of carpenters). This was when I began a journey toward health, focusing on food through the lens of nutrition and wellness.
It was during this time that I truly started to bring my commercial cooking skills home and applying them consistently. Before that, I didn't do much cooking outside of the professional kitchen because I was burnt out after having cooked all week, but as I embraced a healthier lifestyle, I found myself reconnecting with food in a more personal and meaningful way. This transition set the stage for the next twenty years of my life.
Chef Jeremy leading a culinary trip to Poros, Greece
I spent those years first at Canyon Ranch, then Kripalu Yoga Center for 12 years as Executive Chef and Teacher, and now Miraval Resort, where I gathered a wealth of knowledge from eastern based Ayurveda to traditional western nutrition. These experiences have built a foundation that I'm now ready to share with others.
As I entered my early 50s and witness my parents' transition into retirement, I've felt a shift in my mission. Last year, I was invited by a dear friend to host a culinary sailing trip in Greece for a week. During that time, I had the privilege to witness the effects of a food-based culture, where food is the center of enjoyment, pleasure, and nourishment. I saw firsthand how this approach to eating and living ultimately leads to a happier, more fulfilled lifestyle.
This experience has sparked a new passion within me: to bring the principles of longevity back home and share them with as many people as possible. My goal is to guide others in discovering how they can live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives through food, community, and lifestyle.
I’m the author of best-selling cookbook, The Kripalu Kitchen: Nourishing Food for Body and Soul (2019). My humorous approach to nutritious & holistic living has earned me accolades in a range of publications including the Food Network Blog, HEALTH, Prevention, Yoga Journal and more. I’m also known for my fan-favorite appearance on Food Network’s Chopped in 2019.
My new passion is Blue Zone living and I am now hosting annual trips to Greece to explore this lifestyle.
Word in the kitchen
“Jeremy was absolutely outstanding in mixing both valuable content and practical skills while also providing a fully engaging and hilarious presentation on whole foods cooking. He's a gem.”
— Laura G.
