New York City is rightly considered one of the culinary capitals of the world. Top chefs from every conceivable background set up shop in NYC to show off their most creative and revolutionary gastronomic concepts. This is great news for visiting epicureans, but a potential disaster for anyone trying to adhere to a healthy diet. I fall squarely into both camps. I’m an admitted foodie that insists upon nutrient density. What to do?
Last week, I took a trip to New York with my family. I was surrounded by culinary temptations of every ilk – buttermilk pancakes topped with maple syrup, freshly made bagels and potato chips, homemade ice cream, 7 layer chocolate cake and more. On two occasions in particular, I could have easily crumbled under the pressure. Here’s what I did instead:
One of the special stops on our trip was to a famous steak house to celebrate my father-in-law’s birthday. The first items brought to the table were baskets of just baked bread and a combo of crispy shoestring French fries and onion strings. However, I didn’t feel drawn to them because I knew there was plenty on the menu I could enjoy equally as much, if not more.
I started by sharing a bowl of lobster bisque with Mrs. Healthy Fellow. As a main course, I ordered a succulent rib eye steak. For side dishes, I enjoyed creamed spinach and grilled asparagus in a garlic-y olive oil. A glass of red wine rounded out the meal. It could not have been more nutritious or satisfying.
The day before heading back to Los Angeles, we attended a family party at a Chinese restaurant in New Jersey. Once again, the food selections started off in a difficult direction. The appetizers were an assortment of dumplings and dim sum. I didn’t partake, but did welcome a bowl of hot and sour soup.
Much to my surprise, the rest of the meal was quite compatible with the low-carbohydrate, nutrient dense diet to which I’m accustomed. The next parade of dishes included poached fish with bok choy and mushrooms, and tofu in a vegetable broth. The main course featured strips of savory beef with broccoli and onions and crispy, roast duck. In all, a wonderfully delicious and satiating meal.
