Eat Right for Fall

by Kristen Fiocca

Fall has begun! It’s time to shake off the blissfully relaxed summer and embrace the colder weather. Even with the cold, I have something to look forward to; the holidays. I hope to kick off the new holiday season by staying trim so that I can devour as much turkey as I want and not feel guilty.

To direct me on the right path I sat down for a meal with resident chef, Sabrina Falone, a graduate of Liason College of Culinary Arts in Brampton, Ontario, and George Brown College’s food writing program.

Using the Smart Kitchen Digital Rice Cooker from the newly launched Black & Decker Home Distinctions line, Sabrina prepared a Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roman Rice Pilaf.  Not only was it delicious, but it was also quick, easy and healthy.

Sabrina shared a few more tips about this recipe and healthy cooking in general.  For getting into the autumn season, Sabrina has a Mediterranean palate in mind.  She suggests changing up the palate by adding different spices and ingredients to the chicken and rice for variety.  Brown rice is a healthy alternative to the traditional white rice.  To keep full, she suggests pureed pulses (there is a pulse option on electric mixers) such as kidney beans, chickpeas, blackbeans, etc.

Some fast tips to keeping light and healthy include adding fiber where possible.  Canadian diet lacks fiber.  As well, try and keep foods clean and fresh by adding natural ingredients as opposed to packaged ones.  An example of this is honey (which is also Sabrina’s favourite ingredient to cook with).  It’s a natural sweetener as oppose to refined sugar.  Another great substitute is Greek Yogurt for whipped cream or sour cream.

What Sabrina says to always keep in mind is “Every calorie counts.  Everything in moderation.  Remember to eat consistently and don’t indulge all at once.  Keep water intake going.”  Sabrina also adds that for the big feast day, she makes light desserts using fruits that are currently in season (like baked apples and poached pears with brown sugar).  She saves the calories for the heavier dishes such as potatoes.

A final tip to keep in mind, when preparing meals is to not over-think it.  Sabrina believes you should, “Stick to what you like and have a good time!”

For Sabrina’s Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe and your chance to win the new Black & Decker Home Distinctions line, click here.

Image courtesy stock.xchng