Top TV Chefs Chef Jo Pratt talks healthy cooking

Date Published:

05/10/2009

Food writer, stylist and nutritionist Jo Pratt has worked with a host of big name chefs from Gordon Ramsay to Gary Rhodes. A firm believer that stylish food can be enjoyed every day, Jo can often be seen on screen in hit shows like ITV's Saturday Cook's and UKTV's Market Kitchen

As well as her role as food editor on best selling women's mag Glamour, Jo's quirky no-fuss recipe ideas are often found in celebrated foodie mags such as Olive and BBC Good Food Magazine. Jo's second book 'In The Mood For Food' received rave reviews and she has been hotly tipped as one of Waterstone's Authors of the Future.

What interested you in a career as a chef and home economist?

I’ve always had a passion for food, ever since childhood. When I was little, I cut a hole in a cardboard box – to represent a TV – and pretended to be Delia Smith! I never wanted to work in a restaurant, though. I regard myself as a food writer, cook and food stylist, rather than a chef.

Does your expert knowledge of food encourage you to eat healthily?

First and foremost, my passion is for great tasting food. But I always have my mind on healthy foods. The great thing is that it’s possible to have the best of both worlds – tasty, good looking food that’s healthy too.

Tell us why healthy eating is important for our bodies and minds.

When you eat healthily, you feel good too. Often though, people think that if they’re eating low fat food it will automatically be dull. But the dishes I’ve chosen here are proof that healthy food can be tasty as well. And they’re all dishes that the whole family can enjoy. So if you are watching your fat and calorie intake, there’s no reason why you should have to eat ‘special’ dishes. These are just delicious recipes that happen to be healthy.

What is your favourite healthy dish?

I really love the rhubarb mousse. This is a classic case of how you can eat yummy dishes that taste creamy – yet are surprisingly low in fat.

Which dish surprises you by containing less fat than expected?

Things like casseroles and the spicy pork goulash are delicious. It feels like ‘comfort’ food (which is always filling), but is incredibly low in fat because of the cut of the meat you’re using.

Which national dish/cuisine is the most low in fat in your experience?

Asian food – like a salad I've just made. It’s really tasty, but very healthy because there’s not much fat or preserving to be done. Asian food generally uses lots of vegetables and lean meat so it’s often very low in fat. Lots of Japanese food is good, too – especially the fish dishes like sushi.

Jo's top five expert tips for those looking to lower their fat intake...

Eat smaller portions.

Eat more slowly. Your stomach is often actually full before your brain is able to sense it, so you keep on eating. That’s why we sometimes feel stuffed after a meal.

Try steaming or poaching food, rather than frying it in oil. Steaming is great because it uses no extra fat.

Avoid buying ready-prepared meals – even 'gourmet' ones. You can achieve great tasting food with lower fat intakes if you prepare it yourself. And it doesn't have to take much time.

Trim or cut off any visible fat before cooking meat.

Still hungry for healthy eating? Check out these low fat cooking tips.

Six simple yet scrumptious low fat step-by-step recipes, updated each month for you to use and download. This month we'll show you how to make Asian chicken salad.

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