‘My Health’: Head Chef, John Cook
This article first appeared as a ‘My Health’ feature in the Western Mail:
How healthy are you?
On the whole, I would say that I’m a pretty healthy person. I don’t drink which isn’t really that common these days, I don’t smoke and I make sure that I exercise regularly even though I work long hours. I also eat healthily the majority of the time.
What’s in your fridge?
A wide assortment of things, I try and always source local, fresh and wholesome products. At the moment, my fridge contains Wild garlic pesto, (made from wild garlic donated by my local farmer) potato gnocchi, grilled turkey breasts, fresh haddock, purple sprouting broccoli, fresh pasta, watercress, boiled eggs, melon, water, apple juice, and last, but not least, chocolate and jelly. The last two are my daughters, honestly!
What’s your health weakness?
It has to be a certain fast food restaurant’s burgers! With working late nights, and wanting something quick and easy to eat, they are sometimes just too hard to resist! I like to think that working hard in the kitchen and exercising as much as I do counteracts the odd indulgence, though.
What’s your health kick?
That would be my fresh fruit smoothies, I have one every morning without fail to liven myself up and kick start the day. I can’t go without it.
How often do you exercise?
I try and aim to get my trainers on at least 3 times a week, which can be difficult at times. I try and make it to the gym as well as walking my 2 dogs, which is a bit more relaxed. I also really enjoy going for a late night jog in the warmer months, that’s when we actually have them! As long as I’m doing some sort of exercise, I think it all adds up.
What’s your super health product?
Cross filtered pure whey protein powder. I add this to my smoothie every morning so I’m raring to go.
What’s your favourite healthy meal?
My favourite would have to be any type of grilled white fish. The type of fish depends on what’s sustainable at the time. I serve it up with potato gnocchi, broccoli and wild garlic pesto. It’s delicious and really healthy!
Best health tip?
My best tip would be to exercise as much as you can and eat as healthily as possible. Good, fresh and healthy food is easy to source and cook, and so much better for you than ready meals. I do think that it’s important to get the balance right and then top it all off with a good night’s sleep, it works wonders.
What are your thoughts on plastic surgery?
Personally, if it was for cosmetic purposes I wouldn’t touch it, I’m happy to grow old gracefully! When it comes to plastic surgery for medical purposes, I think that it’s an amazing thing and it can drastically change people’s lives for the better.
Favourite outside spot to exercise?
That’s a tough one! I am torn between 2 here; it either has to be at the beach making the most of the lovely Welsh sea air, or through the country lanes where I live. Both are equally as refreshing and picturesque.
Oscars of Cardiff is located in the heart of Canton/Pontcanna
Opening times are Wednesday – Saturday Midday – 11pm and Midday – 6pm on Sundays.