The notion that bakers and chefs should be a little overweight is wrong. Some people actually think that chefs who are too skinny are not good cooks. You only have to look at Giada de Laurentiis, for example, to realize that the misconception about being overweight and a great cook isn’t right. No, chefs don’t need to be skinny. They need to be healthy and fit, in fact, because they have to move around the kitchen endlessly.

So, how do they do that? How do they not tempt themselves not to eat the cookie dough from the bowl? Is it possible for them to cook such delicious meals without even having a plate of them? Some bakers will surprise you by telling you that they don’t like sweets that much. You might also be shocked that some of them don’t even have to taste the sweets they make to know they’re good.

Keep Health in Mind

Bakers are aware that they need to be healthy and fit to succeed in their profession. They keep their health in mind. They go to the doctor for routine checkups and they undergo lab tests annually to keep their cholesterol and sugar levels in check. But they also worry more than about their physical health. Bakers know what effect their concoctions have on their dental health.

A lot of sugary treats can cause tooth decay and gum diseases. If they don’t take care of it, they might have to lose their teeth and undergo dental procedures that are both painful and expensive. Aside from that, too much sugar can also cause teeth discoloration. If you’re already using gel refill teeth whitening products, then eating too much dessert might be counterproductive to that. Bakers know this so they eat desserts only in moderation.

The bacteria that are needed to fight off sugar in the teeth can also erode tooth enamel. When there’s sugar left in the teeth, it will expose the dentin and cause the discoloration of your pearly whites. Bakers have realized this a long time ago. It doesn’t look good for bakers to whip up such amazing treats when they cannot take care of their own physical and dental health.

Establish a Routine

Bakers know that it’s easy for them to fall into the trap of bad eating habits. That’s why they make it a point to establish a routine when it comes to their meals. They wake up 30 minutes before their alarm goes off, so they can prepare a healthier meal. Bakers are well aware that they shouldn’t eat a few almonds, then whip up a pudding after 30 minutes, then another snack before lunch. They make it a point to have filling breakfast, lunch, or dinner so they don’t go over their calorie limits per meal.

Use Healthier Substitute

Tweaking their recipes and making them healthier is one of the ways bakers usually stay in shape. For example, they put flaxseeds, which are rich in fiber and omega-3, to their breads. They also substitute applesauce, plain yogurt, or mashed banana for any recipe that calls for oil. For daily milk, bakers can use unsweetened coconut milk. These substitutes usually work for breads, muffins, and cupcakes.

Choose High-quality Ingredients

Professional bakers choose and use high-quality ingredients for their creations. Low-quality chocolates, for example, contain more sugar than cocoa. Not only do they make the desserts taste more like sugar than chocolate, but they are also bad for health. Dark chocolates are nutritionally better than milk and white chocolates, but not if they are made with loads of sugar. Besides, high-quality chocolates taste far better, and they hold their shapes longer.

Make It a Point to Exercise

Don’t just squeeze exercise into your daily routine. Bakers make the time to work out even when they have a hectic schedule. They know how important it is to stay active because they’ll be running around the kitchen and the restaurant anyway. They might as well keep in good shape, so they have the stamina to do the hard work required of them.

Staying in shape and being fit is not rocket science. Whether you’re a professional baker or you’re working in any other field, the formula stays the same: eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Without these two, you won’t achieve your health goals. And although having sugary treats before you is a good excuse to fall off your lofty goals, think about what overeating and indulging in sugary desserts will do to your health. Moderation is the key.