Spring Chicken

Written by Brandy Centolanza

Chicken, when prepared in a healthy way, provides the body with nutritional benefits.

“Removing the skin will cut the fat content almost in half,” explains Julie Mitchell, a certified nutritionist and founder of The Nutrition and Wellness Center in Williamsburg.

“You will receive a serving of protein, which are the building blocks of the body, from three to four ounces of chicken.” In addition to protein, boneless and skinless chicken breasts also contain cancer-fighting niacin as well as selenium, which benefits the immune system. Chicken is also a good source of vitamin B, which provides energy.

When it comes to chicken, Mitchell suggests choosing free-range for a leaner meat.

Roasting, grilling, braising, broiling, steaming and stir-frying are low-fat cooking methods, she adds.

Chicken Ensalada
Courtesy of Seasons Restaurant, Williamsburg

(Makes One Salad)

Ingredients

  • Five oz. mixed salad greens
  • 1/2 c. mixed cheese
  • 1/4 c. diced green and red peppers
  • 1/4 c. diced tomatoes and onions
  • 2 oz. herbal vinaigrette dressing
  • 5 grilled marinated chicken tenders
  • Tortilla chips

 

Preparation

Mix ingredients together and top salad with crumbled tortilla chips.

Brandy Centolanza: Brandy Centolanza is a freelance writer who has contributed regularly to The Health Journal since 2005. She covers health, travel, parenting, education and community issues for several publications in Hampton Roads and Richmond. Brandy lives in James City County with her husband, two children and two cats.