Shelley Ferguson
The Block NZ host used to love the spaghetti and cheese toasties her mum made for dinner on busy days. “When I was an adult, Mum told me that those times made her feel guilty. As a parent, you put so much pressure on yourself to provide your kids with good food, but sometimes the best thing for everyone might be toast, and that’s just fine.”
Who feeds you while you’re filming The Block NZ?
I’m on my own when it comes to food. [Co-host] Mark [Richardson] does longer hours than me, so I think he makes the catering cut.
Is healthy eating a priority? I consider good food part of my overall well-being, which is important to me. I know the foods that make me and my family feel good and how important having the right energy is. What we eat is nutritious. But I’m not health-food focused beyond that – I’ve never dieted, I love food and I have lots of treats.
What’s your typical breakfast? Porridge with berries, chia seeds and coconut chips.
What about lunch? I have two little boys who have loads of energy, so we’ve been trying to get outside during the weekends even if the weather is questionable. Last weekend, we did the Cascade Track in the Waitakere Ranges, so we took fresh ham and cheese sandwiches, banana bread and fruit.
What’s your favourite evening meal? Homemade curries – they’re so satisfying and warming, and it’s easy to make them healthy because the flavourful ingredients, bases and spices eliminate the need for lots of rich or fatty additions. They’re also fun – everyone digs into rice, curry and lots of accompaniments.
What snacks do you eat? I have morning and afternoon tea every day – usually bliss balls, fruit, nuts, crackers and cheese or a smoothie.
What happens when you dine at other people’s houses?
I have a close group of friends – we affectionately refer to each other as the Fatties because of our love of food. We organise the occasional themed dinner party, which often ends up featuring costumes, and there’s always incredible food and lots of laughter.
The Block NZ, Three, Monday-Wednesday, 7.30pm.