Spa Cuisine Gets a Lifestyle Makeover

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TUCSON, Ariz., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Coffee Crusted Sirloin with Jalapeno 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 the best tasting food in the country today. Thanks to the creative chefs and nutritionists at Destination Spas, healthy eating and delicious cuisine have become one.

Michelle Kleist, R.D., Executive Director of Destination Spa Group (DSG), a consortium of 24 Destination Spas, says, "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 diet rollercoaster craze. According to Professor Mary Tabacchi, Ph.D., R.D., of Cornell University, "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."

The creative and appetizing menus at Destination Spas highlight the chefs' culinary expertise and personal 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.

For those ready to start the Spa Lifestyle Cuisine at home today, Destination Spa cookbooks and recipes are available at http://www.destinationspas.com.

Destination Spas are dedicated solely to providing access to and educating people about the benefits of physical activity, nutritious eating, mind-body connections and therapeutic benefits of massage and body treatments. DSG is an organization of 24 Destination Spas focused on educating the public about Destination Spas. Member spas must meet specific criteria for membership and be committed to providing a health renewing experience.

Destination Spa Group has identified
11 Key Components of Spa Lifestyle Cuisine:

1. Promotes optimal health and well being through a sensible strategy
for life long healthy eating habits.

2. Exemplifies variety, moderation, and balance through the entire menu.

3. Features seasonally fresh, clean, whole foods with high nutritive
value and minimal processing such as:
i. Whole grains, legumes, and beans.
ii. Brightly colored fresh fruits & vegetables.
iii. Lean protein sources.
iv. Lean dairy or calcium-rich non-dairy sources.
v. Fresh herbs, minimize added salt.
vi. Clean water.
vii. Monounsaturated fats, omega-3 source, minimize saturated and
trans-fats.
viii. Limit sugar and artificial sweeteners.

4. Uses natural and innovative substitutions to create 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. Incorporates and promotes the sustainability of agricultural
resources.

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