ALL ROUND TO Joe’s

The king of Lean In 15 shows us how to whip up a guilt-free Sunday lunch

With al-fresco dining season in full swing, the BBQ beckons. Long, lazy evenings tucking into tasty food with mates feels far more tempting than sticking to a strict preholiday diet. But, as always, Body Coach Joe Wicks has come to the rescue with his new book, Cooking For Family & Friends (Bluebird, £20), which is brimming with yummy recipes, perfect for sharing and lean enough to let you to pack your halo, as well as your bikini, when you head off on hols.

We spoke to Joe about what sends him into a spin when he’s entertaining…

How much cooking do you do for your family?

Loads! I love being in the kitchen. With Cooking For Family & Friends, I wanted to show people you can still socialise, eat delicious food and stay lean. I’ve pulled all of my family favourite recipes together to inspire people to make tasty lean food when they are hosting.

What is a typical dinner party at your house like?

I like getting the BBQ going and putting some nice steaks on the grill. I’d do some salads, too, and we’ll all sit down outside and have a few cheeky frozen daiquiris or G&TS, with some music going on in the background. All nice and chilled.

What would be your Come Dine With Me menu?

For the starter, I’d go for Burrata mozzarella served with pesto. Then I’d go for my Caribbean curry with rice and peas.

If we’re having dessert, my Chocolate Fondant is a naughty treat.

Who would be your five ultimate celebrity dinner party guests?

Russell Brand – he’d have loads of funny stories. David Attenborough, as he’s travelled to every country in the world and would have some wicked tips for me. I’d invite The Rock, because he’s really inspiring. I love his Instagram – he seems like a really cool dude. Adele looks like a good laugh, and I love a bit of karaoke, so maybe we could belt out a tune together. A nd finally, Jamie Oliver. I’ve met him a few times and he’s just such a genuine, nice guy.

Your mum is half Italian – is she a tough critic of your cooking?

No, she loves to come around to my place for dinner. She’s not a great cook herself, so she never critiques my food.

What has been your biggest kitchen disaster?

The worst thing is when you run out of Tupperware. I love to make food in advance, but if I leave any lunchboxes at work, then make a big batch of food and realise I’ve got no containers, I’m proper gutted.

What do you think the next big food trend will be?

I just hope that cooking lean and healthy food continues to be big. I want to get the whole world realising that you don’t have to eat dust to get the body you want, and that if you train and eat well you will get fitter.

Finally, what’s your favourite meal to cook for your mates?

I love a good roast, and this one has all the trimmings, including swede mash and cauliflower cheese. There are no Yorkshire puddings I’m afraid, but it tastes lovely and will keep you lean.