Adrian Read from Worst Cooks in America to flavor master

Adrian Read went from one of the Worst Cooks in America to a master in the kitchen. He shares some of his tips and tricks for every cook.

Have you been watching Worst Cooks in America season 17? Adrian Read might have switched teams mid-season, but he was definitely the recruit to watch. From his big personality to his growth throughout the season, Adrian impress both the judges and fans.

In the Food Network show, Adrian Read really grew throughout the competition. While there were a few missteps along the way, he really listened to Anne Burrell and Bobby Flay. In some ways, he proves that any cook can go from worst to first.

While Adrian did switch teams mid-season, that move probably helped to propel him to the finale. Looking at his dish that propelled him to the finale, he shows that he can cook. From a well cooked salmon to developed flavors, Adrian has come a long way this season.

Recently, FoodSided had an opportunity to chat with Adrian about his Worst Cooks in America experience as well as his thoughts on food and fitness. His thoughts show that everyone can elevate their cooking game.

Cristine Struble: As a fitness instructor and nutritionist, why do you think that “healthy” food gets a blamed for being bland and boring?

Adrian Reed: I think healthy food gets blamed for being bland and boring because the traditional method of getting a lean and dry physique also known as getting “ripped” according to classic bodybuilders, involved eating steamed and boiled EVERYTHING to significantly reduce calories by not using oil or other fatty additives and avoiding the use of salt to prevent water retention. These were methods that became popular in the fitness industry, media, magazines and even videos and ever since then, the way people look at healthy food, me including, changed forever. It’s been a blessing and a curse ever since. In the kitchen, definitely a curse for me.

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CS: Do you think that poor food choices can defeat a person’s hard work in the gym?

AR: Oh I love this one. YES poor food choices can defeat hard work in the gym and not because you can’t lose weight eating junk food, because you actually can if you count your Macro-nutrients (fats, carbs ,protein) and are in a caloric deficit. The key word here however is inflammation.

Inflammation in the body which is caused by eating mainly junk food, making poor food choices and even eating too much of some so-called “healthy” foods. Inflammation slows down the body’s recovery drastically, and makes for some serious joint pains due to the inflammation in the joints as well. Since recovery is key in the gym, if recovery slows down, all we are doing in the gym are hurting ourselves over and over because growth only happens in the recovery phase.

CS: What was the one tip/trick that you learned on Worst Cooks that has changed how you cook?

AR: The MAIN trick that I learned in my time at worst cooks is….. I need to trust my taste buds. I need to look for the balance in flavors when I cook. A balance of sweet, spicy, salty, acidity will make any dish a successful one. Well, almost any dish. Also, if I’m not tasting my food when I cook it, I’m not cooking at all. Both of those tricks were taught to me by one of the chefs and it has been invaluable information to me.

CS: What’s one superfood that everyone should learn to love?

AR: One superfood I recommend to everyone vegans and meat eater alike is Matcha green tea powder. Drinking Matcha green tea alone or blending Matcha powder into pancakes or even savory foods will boost your health A TON and the best part is, you’re not taking away from your food choices, only adding to them.

Matcha 3 times a day can provide the body with enough antioxidants and EGCG (fancy word for a chemical compound found in tea) to make a significant difference in our health.

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CS: What is the one dish that you want to learn how to cook well?

AR: I’ve always been dying to learn how to make an Asian style veggie and chicken or shrimp stir-fry with a nice garlic teriyaki glaze. I love Asian food because they have mastered the art of making vegetables taste outright mouthwatering.

CS: What would you tell someone who is wanting to be on Worst Cooks in America?

AR: If you’re having a hard time getting your family to even smell your food. GO FOR IT! You will be getting a crash course in cooking from the top chefs in the industry. It does not get any better than that.

Be sure to watch Adrian Read compete in the finale of Worst Cooks in America Season 17 on Sunday, September 22 on the Food Network.