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Tips for Healthy, Joyful Eating
How to make every meal fresh, flavorful, and, above all, satisfying.
When it comes to nutrition, we all have the same question: How can we eat well without sacrificing pleasure?
We’ve spent years developing dining experiences that provide an education in healthy satisfaction. Our nutrition philosophy is simple: moderation, not deprivation. If you eat healthy, satisfying food on a regular basis, you don’t feel the urge to binge or cheat, because you’re already happy. It's not only possible but fulfilling to eat healthy and still enjoy food.
Here’s our guidelines for preparing — and enjoying — wholesome, delicious food at home.
Create Plant-Centered Meals
Don’t let vegetables be an afterthought. Even if you don’t strictly adhere to vegetarian or vegan diet, most people can benefit from a diet that includes more plants and less animal protein. This can mean filling more of your plate with veggies or enjoying the occasional meatless meal. Try roasting or grilling veggies, which can bring out their natural sweetness while maintaining their crunch. For a little extra flavor, toss vegetables in olive oil and herbs before popping them in the oven or onto the grill or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Eat What You Want, Just Less of It
What’s life without a few indulgences? When you’re craving chocolate or cheese, there’s really no good substitute – and that’s okay. When it comes to sweets, remember that it’s possible to feel satisfied with just a few bites. If you’re a cheese lover — and who isn’t? — you can cook with full-fat varieties of cheese, just use smaller amounts than the recipe calls for. When you’re snacking, keep this visual cue in mind: One serving of cheese is the size of two small dice.
Plating Matters
We like to make sure everything looks beautifully, generously plated. A modest, 2.5-ounce serving of ice cream, for instance, looks more enticing in a martini glass than it would in a larger bowl. Opt for smaller dishes — salad plates instead of dinner plates and cereal bowls instead of pasta bowls, for example — to keep your portion sizes healthy.
Always remember, food is meant to be enjoyable, nourishing, and, preferably, a communal experience with those you love. For more expert advice and inspiration, we offer comprehensive nutrition services in Tucson and Lenox and award-winning dining experiences in Woodside.
Tucson Nutrition & Food Services