You know Celebrity Chef Corbin Tomaszeski from Food Network Canada’s Dinner Party Wars and Restaurant Takeover, but did you also know that the chef extraordinaire is also a Weight Watchers spokesperson and has lost 16 lbs on the program? We caught up with Chef Corbin to find out more…
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
Some people know me from Food Network shows like Dinner Party Wars and Restaurant Takeover, or from restaurants across Toronto, but what I am every day is a chef, a food lover, and a dad that focuses on fresh, flavourful, and uncomplicated food.
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You’re a Weight Watchers spokesperson. What are some of your best tips for healthy spins on a few key dishes that have a reputation for not being diet-friendly?
What really bugs me about the word diet is that, by definition, it is a temporary solution and has unrealistic expectations. Eating healthy doesn’t mean depriving yourself of certain foods, but it is a lifestyle of eating that incorporates both healthy foods and occasional indulgences. It is about quality and quantity, knowing where your ingredients come from, and eating homemade type recipes that celebrate ingredients.
For instance, with a burger, it’s not the actual beef that can be unhealthy; it is all the other ingredients and toppings that mask the flavour of the burger, which is the hero of the dish. Simple rule: less is more. Stay away from pre-fab convenient-type items at the supermarket, which might be instant gratification, but you pay for in the long run.
The key is to plan ahead of time. Treat your home kitchen like a restaurant: stick to your budget, shop ahead of time, plan your meals, and prepare foods that everyone in the family enjoys. What I love about this partnership with Weight Watchers is it’s about showing people that making a few simple changes and being informed will make a long-term, sustainable difference. To understand the program, I joined Weight Watchers, lost 16 lbs, and have never felt better.
What are some of your favourite healthy side dishes that have a reputation for being bland?
If you think the dish is bland, don’t eat it. But also look at the method of preparation: if you are overcooking, that’s usually when things get bland. You need to appreciate the full flavours of the ingredients and buy things you love. For example, with fresh vegetables and produce, buy them when they are in season for two reasons: spectacular flavours, but also because they are affordable.
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Sometimes it is as simple as adding a dash of spice to elevate the flavour. When you add cumin seeds to dried roast cauliflower florets, cauliflower has never tasted so good. The great thing about Weight Watchers is that fresh fruits and vegetables are considered ‘points-free’, meaning you can eat as much as you want. They help you fill up faster, stay fuller, and avoid the types of foods that lead to overeating.
What are a few essentials everyone should have in his or her kitchen for making food taste great?
In addition to market-fresh ingredients, a selection of your favourite fresh herbs and spices can elevate any dish. At my house, my ‘go-tos’ are fresh parsley, mint, or basil. Within arm’s reach of my stove-top I have small containers of my favourite spices. I love fennel, chillis, assorted peppercorns, and mustard seeds.
What are some myths about healthy or non-healthy eating you’d like to break?
I hear that healthy eating is expensive, complicated, boring and bland. That could not be further from the truth. Start with making food from scratch. Get your kids or your friends helping in the kitchen and create memorable healthy meals.
What’s one of your favourite restaurants for healthy dining?
I love trying new restaurants as Toronto always has something new popping out. But sometimes it’s the standards, and one of my personal favourites is Lai Wah Heen. The steamed dishes are exceptionally flavourful and showcase the ingredients for what they are. Also, I had pan-seared arctic char with chanterelle mushrooms at The Chase and it was awesome. But the best place to inspire me and get me excited is the St. Lawrence Market.
Let’s get social. How do people stay up-to-date with you?
For my personal info, check out chefcorbininc.com, plus Twitter and Instagram.
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Also, grab some ideas and recipes at weightwatchers.ca, and follow Weight Watchers Canada on Twitter and Facebook. Plus, download the app, at Weight Watchers Mobile, to get smart about eating wherever you are.