Finding the Balance: How Chefs Stay in Shape

“I have found that a Paleo Diet works to help me manage my weight without feeling hungry,” says LaLa. “I often prepare meals that are quick and easy, like my recipe for Carne Asada Fajitas.”

Knowing that finding the time to balance everything is important, LaLa has taken up a few exercises classes, before finding a favorite in spinning.

Like many moms, LaLa’s son Maddox is one of the many reasons why health and exercise is so important to her. “Being a great example to my son is the biggest contributor to me staying healthy,” she says.

Click on to learn the fitness secrets of two more of our favorite chefs!…

Doreen Colondres

Recently named the first Hispanic celebrity chef for Bumble Bee®, the passionate Doreen Colondres is determined to show everyone that “La Cocina No Muerde,” and neither does your vegetable drawer.

“There is no better way of staying in shape than eating at home,” says Colondres, who reminds us that we can’t control how food is prepared in a restaurant, so it is better if we cook at home more often. If you do choose to dine out, Colondres’ visual tip for a healthy menu is the length, stating that a short menu is always a good sign of fresh, made-from-scratch food.  

“I use as much fresh and local ingredients as possible and I enjoy cooking pretty much everything,” she says. “I do not believe in diets, but I avoid cream, butter, fried foods and desserts as much as possible and ready-to-eat processed or fast food is never an option for me.”

Colondres does however, recommend a healthy cleanse, as she does detox diets when returning from a trip. Her cleanse consists of plenty of water. Colondres opts for parsley and pineapple water as well as hibiscus flower water.

“An egg for protein in the morning, some homemade chicken soup for lunch and of course, tasty and fun salads are great ways to eat healthy,” she says, adding that the secret in her kitchen is adding a lot of flavors to recipes but using the least fat possible. 

It is important to not only eat well, but to incorporate a steady dose of exercise into your daily routine as well.

“I get inspired and relaxed by running or walking in front of the ocean, which is my therapy,” says Colondres, who also loves practicing yoga, Pilates, and Buddhist meditation. She runs and walks a minimum or 10-15 miles per week, and highly recommends a trip to the farmer’s market for some healthy inspiration.

Aran Goyoaga

Aran Goyoaga is the queen of all things gluten-free. She is also a food stylist, blogger and photographer, who regularly shares healthy eating tips on her blog Canelle et Vanille.

“To me the best tip is to eat small snacks throughout the day,” says Goyoaga. “I know it’s a cliché, but it works for me because when I’m starving, I tend to go for foods that are probably more indulgent, making me eat quickly with a lot of anxiety,” she says.

Goyoaga’s other tip for eating healthier is to plan out your meals, that way you’re not forced to succumb to a meal on the go that may not be as nutritious.

“Maybe it’s just me, but planning for meals is something I love to do as I am always thinking about what to cook and eat next.” Her easy to make granola recipe is not only gluten-free, but it can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack on the go!