Sophie Gastman's Find Your Healthy redefines nutrition with bold, joyful flavors

Sophie Gastman, a trained nutritionist, has shared her approach to healthy eating—one that puts flavour first. In her new cookbook, Find Your Healthy, she argues that enjoyment should be at the heart of every meal. For her, the key to a balanced diet isn’t restriction but making food so delicious that the healthy part comes naturally.

Gastman builds her meals around protein, fibre, and plant-based ingredients while keeping processed foods to a minimum. But she doesn’t stop there. To lift her dishes, she turns to bold flavour boosters like Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp and White Mausu Peanut Rayu chili oils, adding umami and nutty depth. Anchovies also play a starring role, deepening the taste of pasta sauces and salad dressings.

Fresh herbs and spices are another cornerstone of her cooking. Cilantro, parsley, and Thai basil bring brightness, while cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon add warmth. Pickling is yet another trick in her kitchen—onions, olives, jalapeños, and even anchovies get transformed to introduce acidity and saltiness. At the core of her philosophy is what she calls 'Vitamin P'—the pleasure that comes from eating well. Rather than focusing on what to cut out, she encourages people to explore ingredients that make healthy food exciting.

Gastman’s method centres on simple principles: prioritise whole foods, experiment with flavours, and never underestimate the power of enjoyment. Her cookbook, Find Your Healthy, offers practical ways to bring this approach into everyday cooking. The goal isn’t just nourishment—it’s making every bite something to savour.