Enjoying good food is one of the finest pleasures in life, and the ability to indulge in rich dishes and dining experiences brings the enjoyment to greater heights..
Food has become an experience more so with food social media content and the abundance of luxurious dining options all over the world. However, with lavish dining often comes the dilemma of how to maintain healthy choices in the face of such decadent choices.
Inspiration for healthy eating can be taken from famous chefs’ words about food and eating:
PLAN AHEAD:
"Because only slow food can teach us the things that really matter – care, beauty, concentration, discernment, sensuality, all the best that humans are capable of, but only if we take the time to think about what we’re eating.” — Alice Waters, renowned chef, farm-to-table movement pioneer, advocate for universal access to healthy foods.
Eating well takes planning. Take the time when picking the restaurant and the chef, as this creates the distinction for a good dining experience. Scan the menu for nutrient-dense options. Planning ahead also includes timing your dining. Food noise, or the continuous thoughts about food leading to more appetite and hunger, can get intense when you skip meals.
FOCUS ON INGREDIENTS:
"Real food doesn't HAVE ingredients. Real food IS ingredients." — Jamie Oliver, celebrity chef and restaurateur, TV host, active advocate for healthy eating and simple food preparation.
The best chefs always stress the importance of choosing the finest ingredients for taste and quality. Some chefs also focus on ingredients for nutrition and sustainability. Discerning diners should, too. Pick restaurants that focus on fresh and locally-sourced in-season produce to ensure freshness and nutritional value. Choose menu options with healthier ingredients when it comes to protein, sides, and desserts.
WATCH THE PORTIONS:
"Portion size is very important — our potions of indulgent foods are way too large," — Geoffrey Zakarian, executive chef for multiple restaurants, Food Network host, Iron Chef 2011.
The tendency to overeat can easily overwhelm when faced with opulent surroundings and tempting choices. To avoid this, focus on portion control. While most fine dining restaurants focus on multiple courses with smaller servings, some lavish restaurants have bigger sizing options. Try tasting menus instead of full courses. Ask for smaller portions or share oversized ones.
CONTROL THE ADD-ONS:
“Nowadays, food needs to be healthy, local, sustainable and not filled with too much fat, salt or sugar.” — Alain Ducasse: culinary legend, owner of gastronomic cruise Ducasse sur Seine and 34 restaurants around the world.
The perils of excess fat, salt, and sugar in diet have been well-known so the fine culinary world has started focusing more on freshness and simplicity, but
some establishments still have rich offerings. Request for less sugar or salt if possible. Ask for dressings, sauces, and creams to be served on the side. Pick fresh fruits over sugar-laden desserts.
HEALTHY SWAPS:
"Whenever I'm trying to cook healthier, I swap olive oil for butter, and instead of frying, I bake.” — Marc Murphy, chef and owner of Benchmarc Restaurants, TV food personality, advocate for food rescue.
When perusing the menu, lean towards dishes prepared with lighter cooking techniques such as grilling, baking, and steaming to lessen the need for excessive oils or fats. Most restaurants also accommodate customization and substitutions based on dietary restrictions and preferences so make sure to speak to the host or server for your requests.
SAVOUR EACH BITE:
“Ultimately, the perfect meal is when those things come together - circumstance, the food, ambiance, and you're with the person that you want to be with.” — Grant Achatz: innovative molecular gastronomy chef, owner of Alinea one of the best restaurants in the world.
Mindful eating involves taking the time and involving the physical and emotional senses while eating. This helps avoid overeating and leads to enhanced satiety and eating experience. Focus on the dining experience as a whole. Eat slowly and appreciate the flavors and textures of your food.
