Namita Nayyar
On July 12, 2015, you were inducted into the American Academy of Chefs® (AAC®) Hall of Fame by The American Culinary Federation, becoming the first female chef ever to receive this recognition. After all those years of service, what was your reaction to the same?
Cat Cora
I was extremely humbled & honoured to be the first and to pave the way for so many other female chefs is a huge acknowledgement for my industry that I treasure.
Namita Nayyar
There are more than 18 restaurants across the United States started by Cat Cora brand globally, highlighting her platform on health, wellness, and sustainability. Series of events that led to the same. The first restaurant you opened, name and the feedback you received?
Cat Cora
KOUZZINA by Cat Cora at Disneyworld on the boardwalk and we opened to rave reviews and continued having a huge fan following until our closure. I still get many people who write to me. About how they miss it, years later.
Namita Nayyar
You are a mother of six boys, how did you go about adding healthy eating habits in them? Share six tips for mothers to incorporate healthy eating habits in children & help them make healthy lifestyle options? Foods your boys enjoy to eat & cook?
Cat Cora
I led by example as I have a degree in exercise physiology and nutrition before becoming a chef. So, I eat healthy and exercise every day. I also think, always having healthy snacks & fresh fruits available for hungry kids is important.
- Always have healthy snacks and fresh fruit on hand.
- Make sure to talk about the meals and get their opinion so they are invested in dinner. Chicken or salmon? Edamame or roasted broccoli with a Parmesan sprinkle?
- Always travel with healthy options, even to the beach, park, running errands, summer vacation travel. Once kids and you get hungry, choices we make aren’t always best. I always pack a healthy snack bag.
- Be a role model by eating healthy and exercising. Ask your kids to go with you on your daily walk or other activity.
- Cook together with you kids early so you can begin showing them healthy alternatives and let them help they will be excited to eat what they created, and it promotes self-confidence.
- Stop the “clean plate” idea. Don’t force kids to clean their plate. Without wasting food, serve smaller portions and if they want more, they can have it. But make sure they are eating a balance of vegetables, protein, healthy starch. And the above will help children be enthusiastic about it.
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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
