This Is What Geoffrey Zakarian Typically Eats In A Day - Exclusive

When you're a celebrity chef and working on multiple TV shows at once, the days are bound to get pretty busy. Geoffrey Zakarian definitely falls into that category. Whether he is running numerous restaurants and developing new recipes, co-hosting the Food Network's "The Kitchen," or serving as a judge on "Chopped," the chef is always on the go.

It's not uncommon to have a list of go-to foods to reach for every day, like a reliable breakfast smoothie or your favorite sandwich and salad for lunch. Some of us thrive off consistent, dependable meal options, and the same certainly goes for Zakarian.

To get a sense of what a busy chef like Zakarian really eats to keep him fueled and satisfied throughout his packed days, we went straight to the source. During an exclusive interview with Mashed, Zakarian dished on what he typically eats in a day, along with one of his all-time favorite foods.

For Geoffrey Zakarian, it's not necessarily about all the exact same foods he eats in a day. Instead, it's about the category of foods he sticks with on a consistent basis. Zakarian explained that skipping meals is just not an option, and he starts things off by getting up in the morning very early and eating a full breakfast. 

To kickstart the day, a breakfast for Zakarian usually involves plenty of protein and very little carbohydrates. If he does have a carb craving, he only reaches for what he calls "good carbs," such as sweet potatoes. Next up, he has a 10 a.m. snack and follows suit with protein in every meal throughout the day. "I'm busy 24/7, I really do have to power through the day," he said. "I'm very cautious of what I eat, but I don't do fasting or any of that because I'm always hungry. Fasting just doesn't make sense."

To stick to a consistent, healthy meal schedule to keep him going, Geoffrey Zakarian has his go-to favorites, but there are a few items he simply never touches.

For Zakarian, sugar is something he always tries to avoid. He also keeps away from alcohol as much as he can. Of course, both alcohol and foods with added sugar are known to sap energy levels (via Healthline). And for someone like Zakarian, who noted he's always moving 24/7, fatigue-inducing foods are the last thing he needs.

As for one of his preferred protein options when he's enjoying a full breakfast? Zakarian said eggs are his favorite food. After all, they can be utilized and cooked in a huge variety of ways. Plus, eggs are a great source of protein, while being incredibly nutrient-dense, per Live Science.

For recipe ideas to keep you going, check out Geoffrey Zakarian's most recent collaboration with Genova Premium Tuna.