Viv Extras: Healthy Food Recipes and Dinner Ideas

Spa chefs have their own unique secrets for creating recipes that are low in fat yet nutritious and flavorful. Chef Jesús González of Rancho La Puerta resort and spa in Tecate, Mexico, reveals the surprise ingredients in his delightful papaya salad — freshly toasted cumin and pepita (pumpkin) seeds, which provide a nutty, exotic flavor. [...]

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Wow your friends with this simple yet satisfying meal by Bertrand Bouquin, executive chef of Summit restaurant at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Studies show that eating whole grains in place of refined flour products lowers the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity. This delicious, healthful recipe, from Red Mountain Spa in St. George, UT, features two varieties of hearty, unrefined grains — barley and wheat berries (whole-wheat kernels, also called groats).

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This simple, scrumptious recipe combines the sweetness and texture of soft, but chewy dried apricots with the protein- and vitamin-packed crunch of roasted almonds and the slight bitterness of serotonin-boosting chocolate to satisfy your snack cravings and make you feel great.

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Take this colorful dish to your next barbecue, birthday party or bridal shower and you’re assured there will be at least one healthy thing to nibble on. No one will guess this zesty dip has only 1 gram of fat per serving, thanks to the creaminess of Greek-style nonfat yogurt.

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Stow away this crunchy treat in your carry-on bag and you’ll have a healthy, low-cal snack to tide you over until you reach your destination. Candied ginger chunks provide a spicy-sweet note and help quell queasiness from motion.

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A festive alternative to the sugary drinks that are usually served poolside, this pretty punch has a dry, sophisticated flavor that’s also refreshing. Pour it into martini glasses and nobody will guess it’s a mocktail!

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Perfect for those busy weekends when you don’t have time to whip up whole-grain pancakes, this breakfast-in-a-glass is ready in seconds.

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This refreshing, flavorful soup was created by Chef Bertrand Bouquin of the Colorado Springs, CO-based Summit restaurant at the Broadmoor resort and is perfect for a hot summer evening supper out on the patio.

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For the tastiest, juiciest and fastest-roasting turkey, try brining your bird. This process of soaking the turkey overnight in a salt-and-spice solution (in the refrigerator) is a great way to lock in moisture, especially with healthier all-white meat, which typically becomes drier than dark when roasted. And the added moisture speeds up the cooking process. [...]

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