|
THE D WORD
In this special father's dat issue, FQ was delighted to sit down with Gordon Ramsay who, as you would expect, didn't mince his words on the joy of being a dad and the importance of a healthy diet for all our kids.
With his busy schedule – the UK’s most famous cook is rarely out of the news these days – it was something of a coup for FQ to grab an exclusive interview with Gordon Ramsay. He has a new book out this month to coincide with the latest series of his hit television show The F Word. But Ramsay is also regarded, and rightly so, as a consummate family man who considers his role as Dad to Megan, twins Jack and Holly, and Matilda just as important as opening a string of Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe – he has been awarded a total of twelve Michelin stars and is currently one of only three chefs in the UK whose restaurant is rated at three stars, while last month he once again ran the London Marathon for children’s charity Tommy’s. The dangers of child obesity are never far from the headlines these days, so it was a golden opportunity for FQ to discover how he thinks Dads up and down Great Britain can play their part in ensuring their little ones enjoy a tasty but nutritionally balanced diet…
FQ: What do you love about being a Dad?
Gordon Ramsay: Watching the kids grow up. They’re at brilliant ages now, all under 10 years. They have such inquisitive minds and it’s wonderful watching them constantly learning and trying new experiences.
FQ: What’s your favourite way to spend time with your kids?
GR: Because I work late so much I try to spend as much quality time with the children at weekends as possible. I make sure that I am always around to take Jack to football practice – something he’s fantastic at. We’ll often just take the kids to the park and on a Sunday we will all sit town for a long lunch.
FQ: Do you encourage your children to cook at home?
GR: The kids love getting involved at home. Even Tilly, our youngest, likes to help out in the kitchen. We’ve been lucky enough to raise our own animals in the garden (as seen in The F Word) which the kids have loved. It’s been a really wonderful experience for the children to be ableto see at first hand where our Sunday lunch actually comes from.
|
|
“Gordon’s fiery reputation in the kitchen is a stark contrast to his family life, where he is a doting Dad to his four children – Megan, twins Jack and Holly, and Matilda”
|
FQ: Is it true that you’ve barred your kids from your restaurants because you don’t want to spoil their taste buds?
GR: I don’t think it’s necessary for young children to eat at the fine dining restaurants and Tana and I are careful not to spoil them. For a special treat we will take them to Boxwood or to one of the pubs.
FQ: Do you think your kids will follow you into the kitchen when they grow older?
GR: The children are real foodies. Tana and I have brought them up to appreciate different flavours and they absolutely love trying new ingredients. We recently visited Thailand on holiday and it was brilliant to see them so excited about trying the local produce and really enjoying the different tastes. Of course I don’t expect them go into the kitchen professionally but I want them to have a good knowledge of food.
FQ: How can Dads help to beat the problem of child obesity?
GR: Child obesity is a huge problem in the UK. Parents have to work longer and longer hours, meaning it’s not just their diets affected but also their children’s. I think it’s very easy to get stuck in a mindset that cooking has to be complicated and take a long time. Through The F Word and the new book, Healthy Appetite, I want to be able to show busy parents that it is in fact possible to create something healthy and delicious both quickly and simply.
FQ: What are the key themes of Healthy Appetite? How did it come about?
GR: A healthy lifestyle is something that is very close to my heart. In 2000 I ran my first London marathon. I loved the challenge and since then I have become hooked. I have also learnt that no matter how much |
exercise you do, eating well is crucial for keeping fit and healthy. In the kitchen, chefs lead unhealthy lifestyles. We taste and we graze all day and so it’s only on the rare day off that we eat a good meal. However, I believe that with a bit of extra effort and knowledge you can change your diet for the better, no matter how hectic your lifestyle may be. Healthy Appetite is by no means a diet book. I don’t believe in so-called ‘faddy’ or ‘yo-yo’ diets. Instead I believe in eating balanced and varied food – something that many people do not seem to think possible when leading a busy lifestyle.
FQ: What advice does the book give to a busy Dad, juggling work and family life, but wanting to eat healthily?
GR: The pressures of work and a hectic modern lifestyle often lead people to slip into the mindset of ‘not having time to eat’ and a diet of quick, fatty and pre-prepared snacks. I want to show people that by choosing the right ingredients and making small adjustments to simple recipes, you can create a balanced and tasty meal. Moderation is absolutely key when cooking. I am never going to tell people to stop using salt or butter and sometimes that splash of cream really helps to enhance a dish. It is not just about choosing one healthy ingredient or a good cut of meat but the dish overall. The book takes readers through various chapters offering suggestions for good, healthy meals for kids and easy family suppers, through to creating a perfect dinner party.
FQ: Can you recommend a meal from Healthy Appetite that a Dad can knock up for the kids when it’s his turn to cook?
GR: My kids absolutely love chicken burgers griddled in a pan with a little olive oil. Serve the burgers in a bun with tomato and avocado. It’s a great low fat alternative to buying in beef burgers and the children love eating with their fingers. Instead of serving with chips try sweet potato wedges baked in the oven |
