From Our Chefs
Diet Culture: The College Chefs Perspective
New Year, New Goals
It’s that time of year; new goals, a fresh start, a positive outlook and maybe a new diet. Yeah, we’ll see how long this kick lasts. Let’s face it, whether it’s 2020, or 2021 or 2063… life will throw us curveballs. With the current craziness of culture, politics, the planets or whatever you want to point a finger at, many people are looking to regain some control when it comes to their health.
- A healthy and balanced lifestyle (that includes FUN)? Yes! We’re here for it.
- A restrictive diet aimed at weight loss, counting calories and following the rules? That’s a no from us.
“Food is one of the most powerful tools we have in either fueling disease or facilitating optimal health. In my functional medicine clinic, I have watched the fallout from trendy diets that failed those who followed them, and I have watched some of them succeed temporarily, but ultimately fail.” - Dr. Will Cole
Diet culture is everywhere: from your favorite celeb touting skinny tea on Instagram to your friend from high school trying to sell you protein powder. As a society, we are constantly bombarded by gimmicks encouraging us to lose weight fast. The biggest secret in the multibillion dollar diet industry? They want you to fail! If you “succeed” with your goals, they won’t have anything to sell you.
At College Chefs, we are Anti Diet
Now, don’t get it twisted. We’re not saying to go out and eat cheeseburgers all day. (Although... if it were a wagyu burger with imported cheese on a perfectly fluffy brioche bun, we couldn’t blame you). But, we’re saying LIVE A LITTLE!
When we say we’re here to revolutionize the industry, we mean it.
We know that using fresh, high quality ingredients innately increases the amount of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs. By utilizing these ingredients in creative, handmade meals, crafted with love, we serve up our belief system on a plate, meal after meal, for students across the country.
We Live Inside Out
Take it from us, weight loss is not the key to happiness. Psychology Today explains that “tying your happiness to something external is a recipe for discontent.”
Look at the Facts
If you’re looking to turn your life around and get out of an unhealthy rut, our best advice is to keep it real. Pre-made foods can contain harmful chemicals and additives. They also often lose their nutritional value in the processing. Reach for real whole foods when you’re hungry and have fun! You can only drink chalky protein shakes for so long. If a healthy lifestyle is fun and exciting, it’s much more likely that it will have a positive impact on your mental and physical health.
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Check out some meal inspiration from our chefs:
They’re fun, healthy and you-better-believe taste amazing.
1. Ban Mai Salad
An asian twist on salads from Chef Aubrie for Delta Gamma at Oregon State University.
2. Red Curry
A bowl that warms the soul from Chef Greg for Lambda Chi at Oregon State University.
3. Fresh Tacos + Salad
A meal packed full of flavor and nutrients from Chef Nat for Kappa Kappa Gamma at UCLA.
4. Homemade Breakfast Sandwich
An egg and cheese sandwich elevated with fresh micro greens, tomato and avocado from Chef Zach for Kappa Delta at Colorado State University.
