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Niki Bezzant - "Happy Eating"

Don't trust a Skinny Cook

Posted: 8/12/2009 10:08:55 p.m.

It's been brought to my attention recently that expressing this view to some people might incite a bit of hostility. Because apparently I don't look as if I love to eat. "They looked like they wanted to stab you with their forks", a friend commented after I mentioned my love of eating to some new aquaintances at a recent lunch. Just the other day I was talking to a woman I'd just met, and mentioned I wrote about food. "You're very thin for a food writer", she said, and eyed me suspiciously.

I’m not sure about this "don't trust a skinny cook" business. There seems to be a feeling that "I love to eat" means "I love to eat a lot of decadent food". And a bit of mistrust if you say "I love to eat" and you don't look as if you enjoy putting away the pies (or the foie gras).

But they are not the same thing. I reckon, if anything, you should trust a skinny cook, because a skinny cook isn't going to make you fat.

I get a bit frustrated with people who think food that is healthy couldn’t possibly taste good, and that to make something delicious you have to throw a lot of butter and cream at it. That will work, for sure, and yes, it’s nice sometimes. But it’s a pretty old-fashioned attitude. I think: why should I compromise? I want to eat food that tastes amazing, and makes me feel good, and is also good for me. And I know it’s not that hard to have both. So why wouldn’t you?

My personal eating philosophy is this: eat what makes you happy, and listen to your body. And relax. Obsessing over making sure you’re eating right is probably as bad as not caring at all.

My kind of cooking reflects that: it’s simple and achievable, and delicious, I hope. As well as being pretty healthy. I’m not a chef. You won’t find mousses or reductions or foams or confits. But I do love flavour. And cooking for the people I love is just about my favourite thing in the world to do. I hope to expand on all of this in my future blogs; I hope you’ll join me.

User Comments

nbezzant 18/12/2009 11:08:24 a.m.

Thanks guys, that's really nice. My publisher's been in touch in the last few days to say sales are ripping along nicely - people must be out there doing their Xmas shopping!

TPL 15/12/2009 9:10:17 a.m.

I think you're winning the battle to change the mindset Niki that healthy food does equal tasty food, the HFG is a leader in this area. I believe well done, we use it plenty and so do my children.

Sally 11/12/2009 7:01:14 p.m.

Niki if your book is in the same style as HFG I'll also pick up a copy!!! love the mag for it's simplicity and format, so easy to read and use

nbezzant 10/12/2009 10:02:30 p.m.

I agree Gordo. I think it takes a bit more thought, often, to make a healthy dish that tastes amazing. But not necessarily any more effort. Oh and Geoff - you can buy my book at http://www.eatingin.co.nz. :)

Geoff 10/12/2009 4:23:04 p.m.

Looking out for your book Niki as a Xams gift and think the HFG is superb!!!

Gordo 9/12/2009 3:13:21 p.m.

Niki food for thought really, I never could understand the reasoning behind healthier styles of food being less tasty, it's more the skill of combining them to produce your dish I would have thought.