Interview with Chef John Procacci

"Eat Healthy This Holiday!"

What is it about the holidays that triggers even those of us with the best intentions to eat foods that we are know are not good for us?  I recently spoke with Chef John Procacci, founder of Healthy Chef Creations – a home delivery program of organic/natural meals.

Q:  I love the concept of Healthy Chef Creations, how did you come up with the idea to start a business like this?

A:  I was the Executive Chef for Chamberlains Natural Foods for 4 years, and then went to work as the personal chef to David Ledbetter (golf pro).  I met more and more people who were looking to eat healthier or had dietary restrictions and saw a need for healthy, custom meals that were delicious and could also be delivered to people's homes. 

Q:  Why do you only use organic or natural ingredients?

A:  With proteins, like turkey and chicken, I believe that free range – the ability for the bird to get exercise, sun and fresh air, results in a healthier bird.  Therefore there is no need for the use of antibiotics.  The same with cows – they are fed natural or organic foods, instead of animal bi-products and are not injected with growth hormones or antibiotics.  Free range animals/birds can have up to 30% less fat as well.

Organic produce is healthier because it is in the soil longer and therefore has greater nutritional content.  The reason is that these fruits and vegetables are not grown with chemical fertilizers and so they grow naturally.  They are healthier and taste better. Also, many fruits and vegetables , apples, bananas, oranges, and tomatoes to name a few, are gassed to extend their shelf life and enhance their color – organic produce is not gassed so you know it is fresher and therefore more nutritious.

Q:  What ingredients do you use to flavor food?
 
A:  Since the meats we use have less fat we often marinate meat with extra virgin olive oil and use fresh herbs and garlic for flavor.   I like to use Spike as a seasoning for vegetables.  We do use a small amount of Sea Salt to enhance the flavor of food, particularly grains.  Sea Salt contains trace amounts of minerals that are found in the ocean, and are beneficial to our health – but we use great care to not over-salt foods.

Q:  Any tips for anyone planning their holiday menu?

A:  The average holiday turkey buffet meal contains 4,000 calories and 229 grams of fat! The holidays shouldn’t be an excuse to overeat…you can serve delicious food that is also healthy and nutritious.  I would recommend using sweet potatoes as they are a great complex carb, as well as nutrient rich green vegetables, and of course a natural/organic lean protein. 

I am glad to share a few recipe ideas whith you, we also have quite a few recipe ideas on our website. Of course we would be glad to cook your holiday meal for you – and deliver it to your front door!  For more information visit the Healthy Chef website or call them at 1-866-575-2433.  And don't forget Healthy Chef Creations has an Exclusive Offer for Heal With Hope visitors!! ( A free dessert with any home delivery meal purchase - new customers only!)
 

Healthy Chef Creations Holiday Recipes