Monday, February 3, 2014

Indulge... the healthy way!

While the weather has been gorgeous, we're still getting those chilly spells here in Houston. Many people turn to comforting foods when it's cold outside, and I don't blame them! One of the many dieting misconceptions is that you can never indulge when trying to be healthy... but that's not necessarily true!

For many of us, casseroles, creamy soups, and stews are especially tempting during the winter time. While your New Year's Resolution may have been to cut these types of foods, try to change your thinking a tad. Indulging in foods you like, while keeping moderation and portions in mind, is one key to dieting. My big saying is "deprivation can only last so long"--- so go ahead! Enjoy some of those comforting foods because you're in luck... Many of the casseroles/comforting dishes that we serve in the dining hall can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet.

Ideas for indulging:
- Ask for a smaller scoop of your favorite comfort food (for example, mac 'n cheese)
- Balance your plate with MyPlate... get the veggie side! We always have a hot veg at the Bistro Station (Fresh Food in Moody Towers) and Comfort Station (Cougar Woods). Not feeling like having cooked veggies? Visit our fully stocked salad bar and opt for oil & vinegar or light dressing.
- Add some fruit. Filling up on fresh produce is always a good idea. Fruits and veggies have fiber to fill us up faster, and keep us satisfied longer.

Need more ideas? Come to the "What's Cooking, Coogs" Cooking Tour tomorrow at 7 pm in the Moody Tower lobby. Executive Chef Michael Bargas and I will be cooking up some fettucine alfredo and I'll be sharing tips on making this staple dish healthier. This interactive cooking class is free to students (and there will be prizes!).


No comments:

Post a Comment