Wok this way, fellow foodies

They say it’s not the destination but the Journey that’s important. This could be a vacation, a special weekend, or now that summer is officially here, a fun family campout in your own back yard.

Enjoying the food Journey with family, neighbors or even by yourself can be a great experience. However, if the only foods you eat are boiled, broiled or baked with no love, no taste and no spices, you find yourself deviating very quickly from your destination path. 

I am a foodie. You may not find it in Webster’s yet, but Martha’s  definition of a foodie is someone that is really into food and its preparation. I acknowledge this as at the end of the day, food remains my one and only constant. 

Diets don’t have to hurt. They can be fun and exciting. Yes, exciting. The secret is making your meal delicious, nutritious and low calorie with little effort. How, you may ask?

We know decreasing your caloric intake wherever we can is an absolute. But remember my food warriors, as you plan your destination, you still must treat yourself. Example, ice cream is not bad.  Over the years a single serving was a pint of Haagen Dazs. After educating myself, and sharing my knowledge, I know that after a satisfying balanced meal half a scoop is perfect. You can even add sprinkles.   

Did you know that the grill is the perfect instrument that can turn anything into an epicurean delight? Include a grill wok and, voila, you are now an outdoor magician. 

Let me share a couple of examples. French Fries. Yum, right? Then you think greasy and full of calories - and you would be correct. With the grill and a grill wok those potatoes become french fries that are totally guilt free. 

Skinny slice, steak cut or julienne potatoes (whatever your preference) and soak in cold water. Don’t forget to add any spices in this H2O marinade (remember spices boost your metabolism). Put vegetable oil of choice in your grill wok and heat it up. Drain, put potatoes in hot wok on grill. Cover, but remember to stir a few times. Stirring allows you to sneak a peak and “wok fry” to your crunchy, crispy or not so crispy preference.  If I were a grilling man watching my weight I would say you have great fries in a couple of light beers.

All vegetables taste great on the grill. You can substitute butter with nonstick spray, either directly on the grill or in foil. Thinking outside the box and making the meal fun helps me stay on my Journey and reach my goal. I never dreamed eggplant could be delicious unless it was covered in a pound of sauce and cheese. Yet on the grill, with spices, creativity and your imagination, eggplant is delicious. When your child asks for a second helping of grilled eggplant, do not look around and ask is this MY kid? You have just become the healthy educator.       

I like to Google for recipes and I must admit my new obsession is cooking competition shows. This is where I learned you can grill and grill wok anything! If the only spices in your pantry are salt, pepper and Lowrey's seasoning, these shows are an excellent way to learn about various spices.     

Sending out a request to all who travel on our Journey. Please send me your grilling recipes or suggestions so that I may enrich my knowledge bank.

Affirmation:  I give thanks for ever increasing Health, Youth and Beauty.

Martha T. Soto-Galicia is a longtime dieter and motivational speaker, and president of The Lebanon Voice. She lives in Lebanon.