Performance, Healthier Eating & Mexican Fire-Roasted Shakshuka with Chef Aaron Clayton

On this episode of Taste Buds with Deb, host Debra Eckerling speaks with performance chef Aaron Clayton. Performance chefs are those who prepare nutritionally focused meals for athletes.

“We're there to make sure that they're able to perform on the field, the court, wherever it may be,” Clayton says.

When asked what regular people can do to eat healthier, Clayton says the easiest thing is to drink more water and cut out as much sugar from your diet as possible. Other ideas include looking for in-season produce, eating at consistent times, and not eating dinner right before bedtime.

Also, try to block off time to cook, so you remain connected to your cooking. The food will even taste better.

“If you're smelling the food throughout the process, if you're hearing the noises that it makes when you put it in the pan; these things are important,” he says. “Pay attention to these details; do not be distracted by your phone or [anything else]; try to make that time and space in the kitchen protected and sacred.”

Experimenting in the kitchen is also great for your mind, body, and soul.

“Anytime someone asks me what my favorite thing to cook is, I say, ‘Something new,’” Chef Clayton explains. “The process of learning helps you grow and develop so much, especially in the kitchen.”

Chef Aaron Clayton talks about his cooking origin story - and how he ended up on this career path, some of his favorite Jewish foods, and how he shares his heritage with some of his athletes. He also shares tips for “performance cooking,” details about the Athlete Meal Plan philanthropy, and his recipe for Mexican Fire-Roasted Shakshuka, which you can find at JewishJournal.com/podcasts.

Check out PerformanceChefs.org and AthleteMealPlan.org. Follow @chefaaronius @PerformanceChefs and @AthleteMealPlan on Instagram.

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