Ep 7. Joy

In season 1 episode 7 of Cook Yourself Thin, titled "Joy," the focus is on easy, healthy and delicious comfort food. Hosted by Allison Fishman, Harry Eastwood and Candice Kumai, the show aims to help viewers trim down without giving up their favorite meals.

The episode begins with Allison introducing the first dish, her take on mac and cheese. She swaps out the heavy cream and butter for low-fat buttermilk and Greek yogurt, which makes the dish creamy and tangy. She also uses whole wheat pasta, which adds fiber and nutrients, and tops the dish with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Next, Harry demonstrates how to make crispy oven-baked chicken tenders. She uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts and coats them in a mixture of wheat germ, parmesan cheese, and spices before baking them in the oven until golden and crunchy. She also whips up a simple homemade barbecue sauce using tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and honey.

Candice rounds out the meal with a hearty black bean chili. She incorporates ground turkey, black beans, and a medley of vegetables, such as onions, green peppers, and tomatoes, for a filling and flavorful dish. She also adds a touch of cinnamon and cocoa powder for depth of flavor and tops each bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro.

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer tips and tricks for healthy cooking, such as using nonstick cooking spray instead of oil, swapping out white flour for whole wheat, and using herbs and spices instead of salt. They also encourage viewers to keep portion sizes in mind and to be mindful of calorie-dense ingredients like cheese and sugar.

At the end of the episode, the hosts gather to taste each other's dishes and decide which one is the "joy" of the meal. They all agree that the mac and cheese is a standout, but ultimately decide that the black bean chili is the most satisfying and filling dish.

Cook Yourself Thin season 1 episode 7 offers a practical and tasty approach to healthy eating. The hosts showcase that comfort food doesn't have to be unhealthy by offering simple ingredient swaps and cooking techniques that can help viewers stay on track with their weight loss goals. With their encouragement and expertise, viewers can learn that healthy cooking can be both easy and enjoyable.