Health & wellness
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Meet Chef Ashley Olson of Southern with a French Twist Ashley Olson is the founder and executive chef of Southern with a French Twist, a Hays County-based
perfectionism can undermine even the most healthy meal. That insight has deeply shaped how I cook for others. When people feel relaxed and connected at the table, digestion improves, satisfaction increases, and food does what it’s meant to do: it nourishes. What’s one comfort-food dish you’ve adapted over time to make it healthier, and which tweaks made the biggest dierence? Over time, I’ve learned that comfort doesn’t come from heaviness. It comes from familiarity, balance, and how a dish makes you feel afterward. The big- gest shift was moving away from excess and toward intention. Mac and cheese is a great example. I use better-quality cheese in smaller amounts, build avor with roasted garlic or a touch of Dijon, and often add vegetables, fresh herbs and a crisp topping to create contrast so the dish feels complete without relying solely on cream and butter. Those changes made the biggest dierence. The dish still feels indulgent, but it supports the body.
personal-chef business oering in-home meal services, small-event menus and retreat catering. The award-winning personal chef spoke with Community Impact to oer tips for those who want to eat healthier but aren’t sure where to start. What does a well-rounded menu look like in your kitchen, and how do you balance indulgence with wellness? A well-rounded menu has contrast and care. There’s richness balanced with brightness. There are grounding elements alongside fresh, enlivening ones. Indulgence shows up in thoughtful moments rather than excess, while wellness shows up in how the meal supports conversation, energy and presence. Through my own work with a nutritional therapist, I’ve learned that stress, speed and
www.southernwithafrenchtwist.com
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For the full version, visit communityimpact.com .
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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