Celebrity Chef Daniel is a multiple industry award-winner and founder and owner of foodie favourite Central Coast NSW café At Baker Street and family go-to catering business Fork’N’Knife.
Find out Chef Daniel’s healthy eating tips and how he defied the ‘kitchen odds’ to lose 35 plus kilos. The key is to eat more regularly, eat whole foods, cut out processed foods, and move more even when you are just moving around the kitchen.
Since starting his weight loss journey, Chef Daniel has lost a remarkable 30-plus kilograms, and he is intent on losing more this year.
“And that’s with me being a chef and working with food from morning till night!” Chef Daniel exclaimed.
“How did I do it? I’ll tell you my top secrets, and they start with eating MORE!”
Eating more, yes really!
“Say yes to eating more healthy foods. Don’t get stuck in the mindset that healthy food has to taste disgusting. Why punish yourself by eating cardboard-tasting foods when Australia is literally home to some of the best fresh food and produce in the world,” Chef Daniel said.
“We are so lucky to have amazing home-grown fresh fruit and veggies and good quality meat, that you can totally relish in some delicious healthy options.
“Stay away from highly processed food and go for fresh, whole foods. It’s certainly not true that it’s too expensive to eat fresh food. You just need to be more savvy, shop seasonally and take advantage of local farmer’s markets, garden food swaps and just choose the ‘ugly food’ options at supermarkets—you can save heaps just by buying fruit and veg that are perfectly normal to eat but look a little silly.’
“Take the time to look around for discounts and items on special. Most grocery retailers are offering really good deals through member and loyalty programs. Take advantage of all of these benefits to purchase healthy food for less money.”
Cut down on sugar
“It’s no secret that Aussies have a sweet tooth, but do yourself a favour and dial it down on your sugar intake,” Chef Daniel said.
“There are many ways to get a more natural sweet kick without putting a whole mudcake in your supermarket trolley. Especially in the warmer months, we have so many delicious sweet fruits like mangoes, peaches and nectarines. Stock up on these and have an amazing nutritious fruit salad instead of strawberry cheesecake. It’s still sweet, but it’s just better for you.
“Look for low and no-sugar popsicles to keep you cool on hot days. Low-fat Greek yoghurt with just a bit of honey drizzled on top is a great summer snack too. Not to mention that lowering your sugar intake is better on your dental health too.”
Eat less carbs
“Too many people are focused on eliminating whole categories of foods from their diets. Influencers across social media recommend cutting out carbs completely. This is just plain dangerous. The body needs carbs to function, especially the liver,” Chef Daniel said.
“I chose to decrease my carb intake. This has worked really well for me. This way, you’re not drastically depriving yourself of things you love, but you’re exercising responsibility and portion control. Over time, you’ll get used to swopping out with better choices without fully cutting out things you love.”
Fresh herbs and spices
“Indulge and have some fun in the kitchen. Fresh herbs and spices are a great way to add zest to food without the additional or unnecessary calories,” Chef Daniel said.
“So many foods, when combined together, can deliver a taste bomb of flavours. You don’t have to add canned sauces and packets of processed manufactured toxic ingredients to achieve a great dish. You just need to capitalise on the full and stunning flavours of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, seeds and flowers.”
Move more
“Being in the southern hemisphere works to our benefit because we have our new year in the summer season so just when we make our resolutions to eat better and exercise more, the weather complies and we get long sunny days,” Chef Daniel said.
“Go for a walk after dinner instead of just plopping down on the sofa and watching TV. So many of our shows are live-streamed on demand anyway, it’s not like you’re going to miss out on your favourite show by going for a walk. I recommend you go with your partner or a friend so that by making that commitment, you’re both showing up, having a social session, having fun and both getting the benefits of walking.”
Get going!
“Now’s not the time to lose your new year momentum! You’ve made some great New Year’s resolutions to eat better and exercise more. It’s a beautiful Aussie summer out there, go eat some amazing fresh fruit and veg, and go enjoy those amazing sunsets. You’ll be several kilos lighter before you know it. I believe in each and every one of you, you can do it! It has worked for me and is continuing to work. I have lost a massive 30 kilos and I have a little more to go,” Chef Daniel encouraged.
“My joints are no longer sore, I move with more agility and speed around the kitchen. I feel great and I sleep amazingly well. Losing weight is the best thing I have done in a while. If I can do it, everyone can.”
About Chef Daniel
Based in Gosford on New South Wales’ Central Coast, Chef Daniel Abou-Chedid is the owner of the catering company Fork’N’Knife, and restaurant At Baker Street. A well-respected chef who holds multiple awards including a nomination to Australia’s Good Food Guide, Chef Daniel has travelled the world as a guest presenter on P&O Cruise Liners and hosted cooking and lifestyle shows on national radio.
https://chefdaniel.com.au/
https://atbakerst.com.au/
https://forknknife.com.au/
