Chef AJ follows a whole-food, plant-based diet, primarily consuming starches and vegetables, with fruit as an occasional dessert, typically beginning her meals around noon.
Chef AJ's Daily Eating Habits
Chef AJ's daily routine is structured around a deliberate eating window, even though she wakes up early. She waits until approximately noon to consume her first meal, focusing on nutrient-dense plant foods. Her diet is a testament to her commitment to a high-fiber, low-fat, and unprocessed plant-based lifestyle.
- Morning Routine: Chef AJ rises around 6 a.m. but doesn't experience hunger until midday, often leading her to eat her first meal around noon. This suggests a form of natural intermittent fasting.
- Lunch: This meal frequently features roasted Hannah yams, a starchy vegetable, accompanied by a substantial portion of broccoli—often as much as a pound. This combination provides complex carbohydrates for energy and a significant intake of fiber and micronutrients.
- Dinner: Her evening meal continues the theme of plant-based eating, with a strong emphasis on various starches and vegetables. This offers flexibility for different whole grains, legumes, and a wide array of non-starchy vegetables.
- Dessert: If hunger persists after dinner, Chef AJ opts for fresh fruit, providing a naturally sweet and healthy option.
This straightforward yet effective dietary approach highlights the power of whole, unprocessed plant foods for satiety and overall well-being.
Snapshot of Chef AJ's Daily Plate
To illustrate her typical food intake, here's a summary:
| Meal | Core Components | Specific Examples (from reference) | Quantity (if specified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | Starchy Vegetables & Greens | Roasted Hannah yams, Broccoli | 1 pound of broccoli |
| Dinner | Starches & Vegetables | (Varied) | - |
| Dessert | Fruit (optional, if hungry) | (Varied) | - |
Her dietary principles consistently revolve around:
- Whole Foods: Prioritizing unprocessed ingredients directly from nature.
- High Fiber Content: Ensuring ample fiber intake from vegetables, starches, and fruits.
- Nutrient Density: Selecting foods packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Simplicity: Her meals are often uncomplicated, focusing on natural flavors and textures.
For further information on Chef AJ's health philosophy and journey, resources such as her interview with Forks Over Knives provide deeper insights.
