okay, it show's how lazy i am these days..
well here goes...
===== article to be featured in the coming issue of IMU Newsletter =====
It was some time during our semester break when this exciting piece of news landed on our laps. Having read the article of our batch, ND1/08’s Healthy Lunch Craze project, the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association (MDA) decided to invite our batch to do a cooking demonstration during the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association Scientific Conference 2010 and the 16th AGM. Held annually at the Crowne Plaza Mutiara Hotel, Kuala Lumpur; the MDA Scientific Conference is one of the highlights in the Dietetics field.
Then came the big decision, to accept or not to accept the invitation. The invitation was a very rare opportunity, and it is really an honour to be able to do a cooking demonstration during the MDA Scientific Conference. Yet, it would mean extra burden and workload on our part. A lot of preparation is needed before the actual cooking demonstration. After weighing pros and cons, we decided to take up the challenge.
This year’s MDA Scientific Conference theme is “Managing Diabetes: Updates for Dietetic Professionals”. Therefore, when developing the recipe, we tried to cater to the theme; aiming to develop the perfect recipe that diabetic patients can enjoy. To start off, we planned to present a recipe that is suitable for a snack. With that in mind, we started going through recipe books and websites for ideas. Finally we decided to modify one of our recipes from the Healthy Lunch Craze project to a diabetic-friendly recipe.
The perfect snack that we had in mind should be suitable for not just suitable for diabetic patients, but can also serve as a healthy, nutritious snack for the general public. Therefore, we listed a few criterias that we hope our recipe can achieve: the complete package, low in carbohydrate, low in fat, high in fibre, micronutrient-densed and low in Glycaemic Index. Most importantly, to show that a combination of nutrition and taste is possible! With anticipation, the experimenting starts, determining the right amount of dough to make the tortilla, developing the perfect salsa… there’s just so much to be done before the actual demonstration.
Before we knew it, it was already 13th of August, the BIG day! Loaded with the pre-prepared ingredients, cooking utensils, recipe handouts, we started setting up our booth in the exhibition area. Proudly, we found out that we were the only university students that were invited to do a cooking demonstration, other companies and institutions involved in the cooking demonstrations were: Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Swiss Concept Sdn Bhd and Nestle Products Sdn Bhd. Dressed smartly in our caps and aprons, we started our cooking demonstration, attracting the attention of the crowd. Many were impressed with the innovative recipe and presentation of our Grilled Chicken Mini Wrapz.
In the midst of our cooking demonstration, a wave of crowd approached our booth, with flash lights flashing, cameras clicking.. it was the Minister of Health, Dato’ Liow Tiong Lai himself, and the President of the Malaysia Dietitians’ Association, also the Director of the Allied Health Division, Ms Tan Yoke Hwa. The VIP procession was approaching our booth! Smiling confidently, we explained the concept of our recipe and also demonstrated the preparation of the Mini Wrapz. Our recipe modification received a great feedback by the Minister, who is in favor of the promotion of healthy eating. He was also very proud to see students, who will be future dietitians involved in such activities.
This opportunity was really an unforgettable experience for all of us. To be involved in such a meaningful event was really very inspiring. Not only did we have the chance to apply our knowledge of nutrition and dietetics, we also got the experience of presentation and communication to the public. Armed with all the acknowledging smiles and compliments from the audience, we would like shout out: We’re PROUD to be IMU Nutrition and Dietetics students!
========== end ==========
once again, i'm very grateful for my trusty partners whom have worked with me again to make this a success..
special thanks to SimLing, KaiJia, ChonXiang, SuMay, JiaHuan..
i have to admit, we really did a great job rite? ;)
grilled chicken mini wrapz
