How to Be a Nutritionally-Conscious Cook
October 27, 2009
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Orlando
• 0 Comments
Perhaps it's the fact that more than 60% of Americans are overweight and over 30% are considered obese, but the public has never been more focused on health and weight loss than right now. With hundreds of “miracle diets” and fat burning supplements on the market today, nutrition has become a multibillion-dollar industry. But has this overwhelming attention on dieting caused any significant changes in the nation's overall health? Shocking as it may be, the answer is no. None of these dietary measures touch the fundamentals of healthy living or improve the quality of food we consume on a daily basis.
The following list contains important tips on how to easily and cost effectively fortify the foundation of your diet, improve nutritional intake, and cook healthful meals for you and your family.
Butter: A Diet No No
First of all, dig into your fridge and throw out all the butter. Butter is simply a brick of saturated fat. Saturated fat is responsible for clogging your arteries, increasing LDL’s (the bad form of cholesterol), decreasing HDL’s (the healthy form of cholesterol), and increasing your risk of heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. You simply don’t need it. Instead, use oils. Canola and olive oil, as well as many other varieties, are filled with unsaturated fat. This form of fat has the exact opposite effect of saturated fat-laden butter, so your LDL’s will decrease, HDL’s will increase, and risk of disease will reduce dramatically.
Load Up On Earthly Delights
Now what should we put in the stew? Vegetables, vegetables, vegetables! The best part about cooking a stew with vegetables, like broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, and celery, is that the bland taste of the vegetables pick up the delicious flavors of the meat you cook them in. Vegetables are high in fiber, which is great for digestion, and provide antioxidants that are proven to promote health and extend life expectancy. Not only that, but veggies also add a lot of bulk to your meal with very few calories. So the next time you’re thinking about grilling up a steak for yourself, throw it in a veggie-filled stew. Not only will the nutritious concoction be enough food to satisfy a few mouths, but it'll help you effortlessly cut calories and improve your health!
Sweet Doesn't Have To Be Sinful
Most people think they have to skip dessert in order to lose weight. This is far from the truth. The trick is, just go natural. Fruits are by far the most perfect food Mother Nature provides. Also rich in fiber, high in antioxidants, low in calories, and filled with sweet flavor, fruit is an ideal after dinner treat. Next time you're craving a hot fudge Sunday, substitute it with strawberries, peaches, and light whipped cream. You can still feel like you’re enjoying a guilty pleasure, but without the guilt.
Forget the Fads, Find a Healthy Future
By tossing out the diet pills and heeding the advice laid out above, you'll be on your way to better health and effortless weight loss. Improve your health, feel great, and get ready to buy smaller pants!
This article is presented by The Orlando Culinary Academy. The Orlando Culinary Academy offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary training programs in Orlando, Florida. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Orlando for more information.
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