Flavour and health mingle in new Healthy Gourmet
By Linda Yovanovich

Nutritionist Julie Daniluk and Chef Ezra Title revive the “Tastes great!” “Less filling!” debate in the new series Healthy Gourmet, airing Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on Viva.

“The premise of the show, essentially, is marrying the nutrition that we all need with the flavour that we all crave,” explains Daniluk. “So we’re looking at nutritionist – myself – who has your heart in mind and wants to keep you alive as long as possible, and a fabulous five-star chef, Ezra, who has only your palate in mind and wants to make sure you’re wowed and love the taste of the food,” she says.

In each episode, the duo shows a group of people that healthy food doesn’t have to be bland and tasteless. Part of the fun, though, is watching their differing philosophies “mix” like oil and water. Title adds, “The way it usually works is that we go in and assess the situation, and then Julie and I work together – or sometimes against each other – to fight for our own side.”

Together they develop a menu that tastes great yet address the group’s dietary issues and concerns, such as gluten intolerance, allergies and need for low-fat options. Sometimes Daniluk’s good intentions get in the way of, well, good flavour – as in the case of her hemp oil salad dressing. Other times, Title goes a bit overboard with bacon. But they find a balance, which is the key to the show as well as healthy eating.