In my constant travel to other cities I’m often asked to describe Houston’s cultural archetype. It is a commission I take in earnest. My veritable answer is that H-Town is exceedingly culturally diverse, large in scale and population, unforgivingly hot in the Summer, and has an exquisite food scene. But what do you do when everybody wants to eat at a place where they can eat healthy but still enjoy ambiance and affirm that our fingers are on the pulse? Must eating clean and eating enjoyable food be mutually exclusive? The answer is “no”.
With a few simple tips and a savvy mindset, this city’s culinary scene allows us all to maintain fit bodies while still enjoying food. When you learn leaner proteins and carbs you will realize that every restaurant can become “healthy.” Most restaurants serve lean proteins like shrimp, lobster, crab, chicken, halibut, haddock, grouper, flounder, scallops, barramundi, cod, tuna, octopus, and snapper. Do you like carbs? Of course you do. Then eat that rice, quinoa, or baked potato – just hold off on the butter and heavy condiments such as sour cream, cheese, and bacon. Some of the world’s best superfoods are also carbohydrates. Asparagus, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, spinach, and kale lead the pack and are some of the best foods we can put in our bodies. So, in all, find a lean protein sources, stick with a simple complex carb that is not fried, or soaked in oil or butter. Lastly, pick the greenest vegetables. Now that can be done at any restaurant and you will be in good shape. Pun intended.
If COVID-19 has taught us anything in quarantine, it is that we must appreciate every opportunity to get out and have some real fun, enjoy life, and eat great food. With some creativity and knowledge of food, these goals can be easily and synergistically met.