I struggled to maintain the diet in the beginning because of old eating habits but it became easier the longer I stuck to it and found myself naturally making healthier choices more often than previously. As a chef I would maintain the same or a similar diet as I would like to stay healthy and in good shape. Maintaining it perfectly would not be my goal as I would have to eat other things as a chef to move forward with my career. So off the job my choices would remain similar unless I was on a cheat day or treating myself. I think it is important as a chef to not limit yourself too much or too strictly as in my opinion it defeats the purpose of your work.
Naturally we all have preferences and restrictions but they should not interfere with the job. Have others on your team that are willing to eat and try things you do not partake in for personal, health or any reason. Maintaining a level of authenticity as an individual by holding to your values is a respectable trait in a chef.
Favourite Recipe
Baked Salmon with Blanched Asparagus
Salmon Fillets
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Onions
Garlic
Asparagus
Organic Butter
Season salmon with all ingredients and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blanche and refresh asparagus, season to taste with salt and black pepper. Pan sear in small amount of organic butter.
Meal Plan - Meat Option
DAY 1
meal 1: smoothie with fresh fruits, greens mix, yogurt (optional)
meal 2: salad with olive oil/vinegar dressing add in chickpeas or quinoa (lots of colour in salad is good!)
meal 3: greens + potato/rice/quinoa (only pick one, not a mix of all 3 :) )
Day 2:
meal 1: fish
meal 2: fish
meal 3:fish
(start to think about snacks you may want on this day, and veggies on this day are ok if you desire them. They are however not mandatory. It depends if you feel the urge to munch. Otherwise if you feel satiety throughout the day and not thinking about snacking then like I said, it is not mandatory.
Day 3:
repeat day 1
Day 4:
meal 1: eggs for breakfast (whole eggs, 2-3) + veggies or half shake (smoothie with veggies for this one plus a scoop of whey)
meal 2: vegetarian option: tofu or beans with olive oil vinegar + spices
Meat option: meat (beef, pork, chicken. Pick one that suits you. Make sure it is something that works well with your system)
meal 3: vegetarian option: tofu or beans with olive oil vinegar + spices
Meat option: meat (beef, pork, chicken. Pick one that suits you. Make sure it is something that works well with your system)
NOTES: make sure that you stick with either the vegetarian option OR the meat option. It’s not a mix and match (just to be clear! )
Day 5:
meal 1: smoothie (vegetables and 1 egg if desired)
meal 2: dried fruit + nuts
meal 3: carbs (sweet potato) onions and beets with spices and oil.
Day 6:
repeat fish day
Day 7:
more flexible day enjoy foods you wouldn't normally have during diet. make sure they are still healthy, but they may be from a restaurant etc and portions can be a bit bigger on this day. Explore your options and have fun with the day, you’ve earned it!
END NOTES:
So you should get a few supplements. If your energy feels low on a regular basis, throw in a good b-50 complex vitamin and some kelp (for iodine). Get yourself some kefir and have 2-3 tbsp per day. As always, this is just the baseline. If you detest fish, you can rework with diet using chicken or some other meat in place of it. Contact me if you need further options or want to make this a strictly vegan system. I can work with any goals/needs.