How difficult is it to put aside your paleo diet while you're tasting the dishes on the show - and would you order these dishes if you went out for dinner?
It's not difficult at all. I've been a chef for almost 26 years and My Kitchen Rules is an absolutely wonderful show because it encourages a real conversation around food and the power of using a variety of ingredients. My role as a judge is to score a dish based on its flavour, texture and how well those ingredients come together to create an overall experience.
What I love so much is that, because of the pressure cooker nature of the kitchen, the show reveals those who are the best cooks in this type of situation and showcases just how flavoursome, delicious and inspiring truly outstanding home cooking can be. And when I get to taste a dish that ticks all these boxes, it's awesome because it's about celebrating the contestants' hard work and enjoying the moment. Plus, it's important to understand that the food I eat on MKR is a very small percentage of my yearly diet. These days, I don't really eat out at that much. I much prefer preparing a home-cooked meal to eat with my family.
Has eating paleo for so long altered the way you taste other food? Does sugar now taste extra sweet?
Just because I eat in a paleo way doesn't mean I don't like the flavour of food. I love the way herbs create freshness on the palate, how spices inject a depth of flavour into any dish and how acidic ingredients can create a real zing. But while food doesn't taste too different, I appreciate flavour and texture far more by creating dishes with good-quality ingredients that nourish the body and the mind. I'm far more aware these days of how what I put in my body impacts on the way I function and feel.
What are you working on outside of MKR at the moment?
I'm privileged to work with a team of incredible individuals who have helped to put together our 10-week online programme, The Paleo Way - thepaleoway.com. Most importantly, I'm blessed to work alongside our trainer Luke Hines and the incredible scientific mind of US-based nutritional therapist Nora Gedgaudas. I also work with Australian-based nutritionist Helen Padarin and I'm thankful to so many people who have helped me find my way in the health and wellness world. It's an exciting time and I have so many plans. There's also a TV series and many more books to come.
Congrats on your paleo books (I have Going Paleo at my house!). You've obviously made a big impact on people with this diet, but how has the recent controversy over The Bubba Yum Yum affected you?
It hasn't affected me at all. I'm thankful that mainstream media is shining a light on holistic health and talking about how food can be medicine. This is a major breakthrough from two years ago when I know that in Australia this kind of stuff was barely discussed.
I'm very proud of the work we've done and the work we are continuing to do through The Paleo Way because I want to inspire people to live their best possible lives through creating recipes that not only taste great but also nourish the body and the mind. A global groundswell is taking place around eating nutrient-dense foods that come from as close to their natural source as possible and considering the welfare of animals and our planet so future generations can be nurtured and nourished and live in a truly sustainable world.
In what ways has your Kiwi fiancee Nicky changed your life?
Living with Nic has completely changed my life and I'm so thankful that she is on this journey with me - and that she likes to go surfing with me! I reckon I'm the luckiest guy in the world!
MKR returns to TV2 tomorrow and airs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 7.30pm.
