Pastry-chef-turned-dietitian says pie can be part of a healthy diet

March 10 — PROVO — If you’re trying to improve your diet and think that means you’ll have to skip this year’s Pie Day (3.14), think again.

A pastry-chef-turned-dietitian at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center explained with moderation, all food can fit into a healthy diet. And she’s compiled a list of recipes that can make Pie Day even easier for those who may be counting calories.

“Pie on occasion isn’t a bad thing. Pie every day, for every meal, is going to eventually show around your waistline,” said Ann-Marie Shirley, RD, Food and Nutrition Services Educator. “The best kind of diet is a well-rounded one, looking at portion sizes and following hunger/satiety cues.”

Shirley said a healthy pie could mean different things to different people. One person may decide to use whole wheat flour instead of white flour while another may opt to cut down on the sugar content or use a no-calorie sweetener. But no matter how you define it, moderation is still the key.

“If you’re making pie at home, play with the recipe and make it healthier. If you’re buying pie on Pie Day, make a fruity choice or find a pie made with less sugar or fat,” said Shirley. “But bottom line, there are no evil foods if eaten in moderation.”

For those searching for a healthier pie recipe, below are three Shirley recommends:

•    Cheery Cherry Pie (Serves 8 – 290 calories per serving)
•    Crispy Peanut Butterscotch Pie (Serves 6 – 149 calories per serving)
•    Fresh Berry Pie (Serves 8 – 180 calories per serving)