Celebrate Nutrition Month, and Simply Cook

and EnjoyBy Amanda Arbuthnot

Amanda Arbuthnot is a Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles student at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta.

When she’s not writing about food, she’s learning about it, cooking it and very frequently eating it.

Find her on Twitter @amandaarbo.

SAIT Polytechnic

AMANDA ARBUTHNOT

SAIT Polytechnic

“Students of SAIT’s Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles program know how complex nutrition can be. Over the course of a year, we learn about the infinite compositions of nutrients within food and what becomes of them once eaten. However, as much as I respect the beautiful science of food becoming fuel, the most important thing I have learned is how food is best at its simplest. The science of food is complicated, but enjoying healthful meals doesn’t have to be. Every March, the Dietitians of Canada celebrate Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is “Simply Cook and Enjoy.” Forget every diet book, news article, and trick you’ve heard about healthy eating. Once you learn how to simplify, cook your own food and enjoy the delicious flavors, you will have all the nutrition advice you’ll ever need! Not convinced this cooking business is for you? We’ve thought of a few simple ways even the most devoted detractor can get creating in the kitchen.”

COOK

SIMPLY

SMOOTHIESStep 1: Blend fruit and liquid. Step 2: Drink.

It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Smoothies are much more than the sum of their parts — if this feels too far away from cooking, keep in mind the creative possibilities; you’re only limited by the contents of your fridge and imagination.

MAKE A SANDWICH

SAIT Polytechnic

Between two slices lies a world of possibility. Keep on hand a good loaf of bread and switch up the filling based on whatever leftovers are lurking in the fridge. Last night’s chicken breast pairs great with avocado, lettuce and tomato, and grown-up grilled cheese can incorporate slices of fruit for crunch.

ROASTED VEGETABLES

SAIT Polytechnic

The word “nutritious” tends to invoke images of fibrous raw vegetables and hearty chewing. If there’s one way to drive someone away from healthy eating — it’s a plate of uniform crudités.

However, many vegetables can be magically transformed to delicious morsels with creamy centers and crisp exteriors when oven roasted. All it takes is tossing vegetables with a little oil, seasoning and enjoying the end product a whole lot more than you’d expect.

SKIP THE SOUFFLÉSomething as straightforward as an omelet is a delicious way to use up vegetables and cheese, not to mention the speedy preparation time.

Complicated dinners are great for the inspiring chef, but for the rest of us, the best way to get a delicious dinner on the table each night is to keep it simple. Everyday gourmet may not be achievable with normal work hours, but taste and health certainly are.