Welcome to Day 22 of the Balanced Plate Challenge! Yesterday you celebrated seasonal produce. Today, we’re turning up the heat — literally. It’s time to experiment with a new cooking method to keep your balanced plate exciting.
🍳 Why Switch Cooking Methods?
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Fresh flavours: Roasting, grilling, steaming, or stir‑frying can completely change the taste of the same ingredients.
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Healthier options: Steaming or grilling often uses less oil than frying.
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Texture variety: Crispy roasted carrots vs. tender steamed ones — same veggie, totally different vibe.
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Evidence‑based: Research shows cooking methods can affect nutrient retention, especially for veggies.
🥗 Your Day 22 Task
At your next meal, prepare your balanced plate using a cooking method you don’t usually use:
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Roast your veggies for caramelized sweetness 🥕
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Grill chicken or fish for smoky flavour 🍗🐟
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Steam broccoli for a light, crisp bite 🥦
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Stir‑fry tofu and peppers for quick, colourful energy 🌈
The goal isn’t to master every technique — it’s to explore how cooking methods can make your balanced plate more enjoyable.
😂 A Little Humour
If your stir‑fry turns into a “stir‑oops,” don’t worry. Even Gordon Ramsay had to start somewhere… and at least you didn’t set off the smoke alarm (hopefully).
✅ Reflection Prompt
At the end of the day, ask yourself:
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Did the new cooking method change how I enjoyed the meal?
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Was it easier or harder than my usual routine?
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Would I use this method again in future plates?