Nick Honeyman: Invest in quality ingredients

Quality salt and olive oil is where it all starts. Photo / Thinkstock

Executive chef Nick Honeyman is part of a team of health experts who give advice on A Season of Change, an online self-image and lifestyle TV show that aims, over 12 episodes, to improve the lives of thousands of Kiwi women. He gives his top five tips for a sustainable, healthier life:

Chef Nick Honeyman. Photo / Getty Images

1. Stock your kitchen with quality base ingredients.

Quality salt and olive oil is where it all starts.

2. Be creative, be imaginative.

Food has no boundaries. Live to eat, don't eat to live.

3. Recipes are just a guide.

You can substitute and replace anything you like - sometimes it will be better than the original. You will become a better cook only by making mistakes and this means stepping out of the bounds of the recipe.

4. Variety is key.

Eating has to be something you enjoy and not a monotonous schedule that you have to follow. If you don't enjoy it there is no way you will stick to it.

5. Follow the seasons.

Plan your meals when you are at the vegetable market. Getting the best and freshest ingredients means half the work is done for you.

• Nick Honeyman is an award-winning executive chef. He will be giving his advice free through A Season Of Change, a 12-week online body, self-image and lifestyle TV show aiming to positively change the lives of Kiwi women. To put a bounce in your step this spring and receive your free episodes go to aseasonofchange.co.nz/register.