32 | January 2012 | woman this month Showcase Eating healthy doesn’t mean being deprived of great tastes. Head chef Raimund Braun at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Residence and Spa speaks with Elma Bartholomew about healthy food and how it can be yummy. What is your advice for people who want to eat right? The most important step is to put away the “couch potato” aspect. Forget about the potato chips and spiced-up tortilla chards. Eat some berries, apples or any other fruits you like. Make it a habit to eat that not-so-healthy “soul food” stuff once a week only. Life must be joyful, but choose the right munchies! People believe that healthy food does not taste good. Is that true? Totally untrue! Don’t we all forget the spices and herbs that we have? How about a good pinch of curry powder, a couple of stalks of lemongrass or some chilli or garlic? There are many options in a supermarket aisle alone to choose from to make simple food interesting and flavourful. Does it have to be boring and tasteless? Absolutely not! How do the kitchens in the Diplomat Radisson Blu tackle this misconception? Every week, we order fresh herbs and spices from all over the world. Freshness and variety are vital. In addition, I do not allow fatty products in my little empire. Oils must be trans-fat free. Any excess fat must be removed from deep-fried items and meats. Of course, marbling in a raw piece of beef is very important, but during the slow cooking process, the fat will melt, giving it the perfect taste which guests expect. The same goes for chicken with the skin after a good old fashioned grilling, BBQ or pan-frying. What do you think people need to avoid and add in their diet? Avoid — trans-fats, high calorie foods, heavy late night suppers, rich milkshakes, creamy desserts, junk food, deep-fried foods on a regular basis and sweet soft drinks. Add — Fresh fruits, whole-wheat grains, vegetables that aren’t overcooked, at least a couple of slices of fish per week, yoghurts, sushi and sashimi, a glass of red wine, and berries, especially strawberries. For a movie evening, have popcorn, but not the ready-made kind. Pop a fresh batch of natural popcorn and add a pinch of salt. What are the best natural fat burning foods available? Proteins are the best way to burn fat. Eat fish, chicken, turkey breast, emu steaks, cottage cheese, soy milk and beans. How many calories must a person consume on average to stay fit? Rule of thumb — women should keep it at 1200 calories per day; men at 1800. But, it all depends on your body structure, age and your daily routine. What are common mistakes people make while dieting? The yo-yo effect is a common problem. One moment you lose weight; the next you gain again. It’s a mind game. Some of us are lucky and can sustain the lost/gained weight. Losing weight slowly is the best method, keeping in mind that exercise is the key. Call 17 531-666. Eat Your Way to Good Health THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU RESIDENCE & SPA
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