Taste the Latest Delicious and Nutritious Spa Food
Coffee
crusted sirloin with jalapeño red-eye gravy — does
that sound like spa cuisine? It is! Bold, flavorful, and
satisfying, spa cuisine has evolved to become some of
the best food around. Not just the best healthy food,
but also the best tasting in the country today. Thanks
to the creative chefs & nutritionists at Destination
Spas, healthy eating and delicious cuisine have become
one.
Michelle Kleist, R.D., Executive Director of Destination
Spa Group (DSG), said “Spa Lifestyle Cuisine is a mindful approach
to eating that offers a healthy balanced eating plan under
the disguise of fresh, interesting, tasty, and satisfying
entrees and snacks. The focus is no longer placed on calories
or grams of carbohydrates and fats, but rather on quality
whole foods that have been minimally processed and simply
prepared to maximize the natural beauty, essence of flavors,
and healthful benefits."
Following a lifelong healthy
eating plan is a great alternative to the typically unhealthy diet roller
coaster craze.
“Moderation is key
to the optimal healthy diet, while deprivation is dangerous.
People who incorporate Spa Lifestyle Cuisine into their
daily routine and combine it with a sensible exercise
program and stress management techniques are predisposed
to have a high quality, energetic life,” said Dr. Mary Tabacchi of Cornell University.
The creative and appetizing menus at Destination Spas
highlight the chefs’ culinary expertise and personal
culinary influences, rivaling gourmet restaurants. For example,
appetizing gourmet menu selections from DSG member spas
include: wildberry oat scones, fresh tuna and corn salad,
angel hair pasta pomodoro salad, ginger coconut soup,
chicken and shrimp gumbo, grilled salmon with roasted
red pepper sauce, cheese ravioli with almond pesto and
sweet potato cheesecake.
Kleist says that today’s Destination Spa chefs give
serious consideration to the food’s origin, seasonality,
and nutritional value as well as the complete culinary
experience. “It is enjoyable, practical, and satisfying
to all of the senses — aromatic, beautiful and flavorful —
as well as adequately nourishing the body. “
Dietitians from several of DSG member spas collectively
developed the guiding principles of Spa Lifestyle Cuisine.
All DSG member spas serve Spa Lifestyle Cuisine exclusively
and offer practical ideas for guests to implement the
cuisine into everyday living. As part of the take-home
habit approach, Destination Spas offer interactive and
practical activities such as instructional cooking classes,
hands-on gardening programs and market tours, as well
as several educational programs and professional health
consultations.
Destination Spa Group's 11 Key Components of Spa Cuisine:
1. Promotes optimal health and well being through a sensible strategy for life long healthy eating habits.
2. Exemplifies variety, moderation, & balance throughout the menu.
3. Features seasonally fresh, clean, whole foods with high nutritive value and minimal processing such as:
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Whole grains, legumes, and beans.
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Brightly colored fresh fruits & vegetables.
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Lean protein sources.
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Lean dairy or calcium-rich non-dairy sources.
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Fresh herbs minimize added salt.
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Clean water.
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Limit sugar and artificial sweeteners.
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Monounsaturated fats, omega-3 source, minimize saturated and trans-fats.
4. Uses natural, innovative substitutions for healthier food options.
5. Emphasizes mindful portion sizes and regularly patterned eating.
6. Utilizes preparation and cooking methods that maximizes and enhances the beauty, flavor, texture and nutrition of the food.
7. Exemplifies self-sufficiency in the kitchen through practical cooking methods that can be replicated at home.
8. Fulfills individual nutrition parameters and preferences.
9. Pleasurable and satisfying to all senses.
10. Embraces and incorporates credible nutrition.
11. Promotes the sustainability of agricultural resources.
To start the Spa Lifestyle Cuisine at home, cookbooks and recipes are available at Destination Spas.
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