Spa Chefs Prepare You for a Heal...( LEXINGTON Ky. July 7 /- Strawberries ...),Health

LEXINGTON, Ky., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Strawberries are ripe, tomatoes are plump and watermelons are juicy...it must be summertime! Eating healthy as part of leading a spa lifestyle is easier than you might think -- by visiting local farmers' markets and food co-ops, you can buy locally and healthfully while spending less money. Spas are championing the cause by preparing meals from on-site organic gardens, and 19 percent are offering healthy cooking classes.

"The spa is the perfect place to educate yourself on healthy eating," said International SPA Association President Lynne McNees. "In fact, of the spas that offer educational programs and workshops, 51 percent offer nutritional counseling and 40 percent offer healthy eating programs. Spa cuisine can include wine, red meat and dairy products; it's all about creating a balance for your diet, mind, body and spirit."

Don't be fooled by the myth that spa cuisine is bland and unfilling; spa chefs are creating unique and scrumptious meals that still keep calories in check. ISPA members have got you covered this summer with tasty recipes they're cooking up. And, find out what spa chefs have to say about spa cuisine by watching this video. Below are some leading spa chefs' philosophies on spa cuisine:

• Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand - "Our concept is to provide healthy cuisine with many flavors so guests won't notice it's good for them! Moderation should be in the ingredients, not the flavor. All of our dishes can be made at home using ingredients that can be purchased anywhere," said Executive Chef Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat.
• The Elmwood Spa, Toronto, ON - "Food augments the spa experience by highlighting the importance
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