A foodie's recipe for summer

MANILA, Philippines – Are you hoping to get that sexy beach body but find it too difficult to let go of your cholesterol-laden meals?

Well, this summer, it’s about time you try to get that beach body by going back to basics: eat healthy foods and take in fewer calories than you burn.

“It’s easier to make better food choices in summertime, when heavy, high-calorie dishes seem less appealing,” says Prof. Luchie Callanta, a faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of Home Economics.

As the resident nutritionist of the Doña Elena Cuisinera Club, a group of health practitioners and food enthusiasts established by Doña Elena Olive Oil brand, Prof. Callanta explains that healthy summer foods are best characterized by being grilled, light, fibrous and refreshing. Prof. Callanta also believes that replacing lower quality oils when cooking your favorite meals is an important step towards healthy eating.

Not surprisingly, in the recent Doña Elena Cuisinera Club culinary session, members were treated to a culinary journey that zeroes in on some of the healthiest food choices this summer. Led by renowned chef Golda Liamzon, cuisineras learned how to put a healthier twist on popular summer dishes such as grilled meat and seafood through the use of olive oil, instead of the usual vegetable oils.

Chef Liamzon introduced the barbecue, steak/chicken and garlic-honey marinades in pure olive oil that are flavorful and good for the body — perfect for the newly health-conscious foodies! Other dishes like the vongole pasta sautéed in pure olive oil and the oil and vinegar coleslaw using extra virgin olive oil were also added.

Prof. Callanta asserts that though meat used for barbecue recipes is loaded with calories and fats, using Doña Elena olive oil will make these dishes at least 63 percent healthier and more flavorful. That is because Doña Elena Olive Oil increases HDL (good cholesterol) that helps clear clogged arteries and is rich in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants like chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids, squalene and polyphenols that help protect against cancer. In fact, olive oil tops the list of healthy oils recommended by the American Heart Association for food preparation.

Most Filipinos, however, are intimidated by the perceived high price of olive oil. Luckily, consumers now have good brands such as Doña Elena Olive Oils that provide the best health benefits — and a rich and flavorful taste — without going over the budget. With just a few pesos added to your normal budget for a vegetable oil, Doña Elena Olive Oils ensure that you get the full flavor of a dish while protecting you from coronary heart diseases, cancer and diabetes associated with fatty foods and ordinary cooking oils.

Doña Elena recommends extra virgin olive oil for your salads, bread dips and to drizzle over cooked food for that extra flavor. A cold-pressed and high-grade virgin oil, extra virgin is fruity and has an impeccable taste and aroma. Pure olive oil, on the other hand, is best suited for everyday cooking: sautéed dishes, basting, frying, pasta preparation because it is cholesterol-free, does not have additives and is made from pressed, refined and blended finest olive oil. 

 “So make your summer really memorable by not only hitting the best beaches and tourist sport, but also by remembering to exercise regularly and have a proper diet in order to achieve a healthy and beach-beautiful body,” concludes Prof. Callanta.

For healthier recipes or to join the cooking community, log on to www.cuisineraclub.com. Or call Doña Elena Cuisinera Club Secretariat at 713-8144 or e-mail CuisineraClub@gmail.com.