Life is hectic. Do things that’ll make you happy
Sunday Brunch TV chef Simon Rimmer has a recipe for the good life. CLAIRE SPREADBURY finds out that fun is the main ingredient
WITH his weekly magazine show, Sunday Brunch not to mention his restaurants to run, cookbooks to write and young family to look after, Simon Rimmer has a lot on his plate – pardon the pun.
Yet the trim chef always looks the picture of health when interviewing guests and larking around in the kitchen with pal and co-presenter Tim Lovejoy on the Channel 4 programme.
So what’s his secret? Apparently, it’s all down to food, family and fun and plenty of laughter.
The Merseyside-born chef, 54, who lives in Manchester with his wife and kids, reveals how he keeps himself young and happy...
1. EAT WELL
“I’M very conscious about what I eat. Food is an important part of my life as a chef, and I’m constantly aware of trying to eat well. I don’t really eat processed foods – I think keeping your cooking simple and using natural, healthy ingredients is important,” says Simon.
“Eggs are great, because they’re high in protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and they’re also completely versatile. We always have eggs in the cupboard. I also eat loads of oily fish, such as salmon, haddock and mackerel.”
2. EXERCISE FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING
“I FIND exercise is great for my mental health. Both the gym and boxing are activities that help me focus my mind, and I can feel the beneficial effect mentally as well as physically.
“You have to look after yourself. I get up most days at 5.30am to get to the gym for a 6am workout. I also have a really active family; we have a dog and live by a river, which inspires us to get out and about every day.”
3. LAUGH LOTS
“WHEN filming Sunday Brunch, Tim Lovejoy and I are constantly laughing. It’s important to laugh every day, and I’m fortunate to have a job where it’s easy to do that.”
4. COOK WITH YOUR KIDS
“HAVING kids keeps me feeling young and active. I’ve been teaching my son Hamish to cook, and he can now make a mean omelette.
“Cooking with kids is a great way to spend time doing something where they learn important life skills, but it’s also good fun.”
5. CHALLENGE YOURSELF
“IT’S important to keep your brain active and interested. In my job, I’m fortunate that I meet lots of interesting people and have many experiences that have kept me continually learning something new.
“From my TV work to the restaurant, there’s always something different around the corner and a new challenge to meet. Teaching people to cook keeps the brain sharp.”
6. EAT TOGETHER
“FAMILY keeps me grounded. I’m happiest on a Sunday evening, after I’ve finished filming Sunday Brunch and I’m back at home. I cook a big meal for the family to share, something like my shakshuka, a Middle Eastern spicy egg dish, or Bobotie, a South African curried bake, and we sit around and catch up on the week.
“It’s important downtime that I relish, and there is nothing better than sharing a meal together.”
7. GET SOME REST
“I NEED at least six hours of sleep a night. As I’m up for the gym at 5am, I try to get to bed at 10.30pm.”
8. MAKE TIME TO RELAX
“IT’S important to keep perspective and find ways to manage stress. Everyday life now is so hectic, but you have to make time to relax.
“You also have to do things that make you happy. Cooking, exercise, music and reading are all things I do to release tension.”
Simon Rimmer is a British Lion eggs ambassador. Check out his recipes at eggrecipes.co.uk. Sunday Brunch is on Channel 4 every Sunday from 9.30am