This month is our Wellness issue. As you peruse through our articles this month you will notice that our primary focus is on healthy living and healthy foods. When I think of “wellness” I think of a whole body and mind wellness. Focusing on reducing stress, exercising, improving state of mind by having a positive outlook and attitude, taking the time to laugh and love and eating whole foods is, in my humble opinion, the path to wellness.

In light of that concept, I know many people once they are diagnosed with Celiac disease have issues with weight. I know when my mom was diagnosed all of a sudden she noticed she started to gain weight (after being perpetually skinny all her life). This is a very common issue among Celiac’s – and if you are anything like me, if you start to pack on a few pounds it starts to impact not only your physical state of being but also your mental wellness. Self image goes down the tubes and you end up creating a vicious circle.

Salmon Caesar Salad

So how do you lose weight and still maintain that balance of complete wellness. After all what is more depressing than putting yourself on a diet void of flavor and substance? I propose that you can have your cake and eat it too. It all starts with whole foods and quality ingredients. This is a great time of year to try this out. Farmer’s markets are pretty much everywhere offering organic, family farmed delicious vegetables, herbs, local meats, cheeses and the like (see this month’s article on the Farmer’s Market). This is such a great place to get your ingredients for your every day meals because most of the food offered here is naturally void of preservatives and other additives that are unnecessary and usually aid in packing on the pounds. The other added benefit of using organic, whole ingredients is that the taste is truly so much better. An organic potato truly tastes so much better than one treated with pesticides – and virtually all organic vegetables and meats you will find are much more flavorful.

Thai Summer Salad

Now that you are stocked up on quality ingredients, let’s talk recipes. Again, don’t torture yourself with bland food just because you are reducing calories. Focus on adding flavorful herbs and spices to your dishes – this makes a huge difference. Below you will find a bunch of delicious recipes that all come in under 400 calories:

Tuna Tacos
Salmon Caesar Salad
Noodle Salad with Shrimp
Mixed Greens with Poached Shrimp & Grapefruit
Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil Salad
Flank Steak Salad Wrap
Eggplant Pizza
Chicken Tacos
Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Kalamata Olives
Thai Summer Salad
Smoked Flank Steak
Grilled Salmon with Roasted Corn Relish
Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Nectarine Plum Relish

Roasted Strawberries with Wine & Balsamic Vinegar Sauce

And let’s not forget dessert:

Low fat Brownies with Applesauce
Mango Sherbet
Watermelon Ice
Raspberry Soufflés
Grilled Fruit Kebabs
Roasted Strawberries with Wine & Balsamic Vinegar Sauce (served over low-fat ice cream)
Chocolate Soufflé with Vanilla Ice Cream (buy the low fat kind)

The key here is to enjoy the foods you are eating. Start with great, quality, organic ingredients, minimize the use of fat (particularly cream, butter, heavy sauces, frying oils) and enjoy the natural flavors.

Enjoy!

- Chef Jessica