Tips For Creativity In The Kitchen, Dining Hall, And Even The Breakroom

Did you know that an attractive plate can actually make the food taste better? This was proven by an Oxford University professor named Charles Spence. He found that even the simplest of meals can be made to not only look more appetizing, but even more flavorful and nutritious based on your garnishes. 

If you have ever associated healthy eating with bland, boring meals, here is where it stops. You do not have to be an art major or a health guru to incorporate healthy creativity into what you eat. Contrary to popular belief, assembling a healthy meal in front of you is not as difficult as you may think!

Here are some tips on achieving beautiful and nutritious plates that are definitely social media worthy:

1. Decorate your plate with color—and lots of it! Infuse your plate with as much color as you can. Fresh fruit and vegetables are key. Need some reds? Try tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, or beets. Orange? Bell peppers, mangoes, and carrots are great. Yellow? Bananas, pineapples, corn, and lemon. Purple?  Raisins, figs, dates, or eggplants. Think of the rainbow!

2. Variety is essential. Variety in color, shape, and texture provides happiness for your eyes and your taste buds. If you have something soft on your plate, try adding something crunchy to balance your meal. For example, corn and peppers into guacamole, or hummus on toast.

3. The less processed, the better. Reach for the fresh fruit rather than the packaged fruit that is full of added sugar. Try using fat free yogurt with herbs rather than full fat sour cream. Maple syrup is a great substitute for white, refined sugar.

4. Take full advantage of available seeds, nuts, and herbs. These make wonderful garnishes and full of essential nutrients. Seeds and nuts are great for yogurt, oatmeal, and even salads. Got chives, parsley, cilantro, mint, or basil? Cut it up, cut pieces of it, or keep it whole and place it in the middle of the plate for an extra oomph.

5. Use your favorite plate. It might motivate you to make that plate as nutritious and good-looking as it can be!

Look around whether that may be in your own personal kitchen, any dining hall, or a communal kitchen to determine if an ingredient can add to your meal. Also, be creative or find resources to find healthier ingredient substitutes. Experiment with your food and have fun while doing it!