A Spanish chef behind Chris Hemsworth‘s ripped body has shared the actor’s dietary secrets while revealing how Australians can up their game in the kitchen.
Sergio Perera has looked after the A-lister’s nutrition for many years, helping him to bulk up or shred down depending on the role he’s about to tackle.
The Michelin-trained chef with a passion for farm-to-table cooking and fresh produce, said he prioritises meat through the day when Chris is trying to bulk up, and then lighter options such as fresh seafood in the evening because it’s easier to digest before bed.
‘Working with Chris is wonderful as he’s very committed to his training and nutrition,’ Sergio told FEMAIL.
‘He’s so much fun to work with as he works hard. Whenever he has to gain weight, we increase his protein intake quite a bit.
‘For example, he might have 200 grams of grilled steak with a couple of extra virgin olive oil fried eggs and a few slices of paleo bread.
‘An hour and a half later, we’d follow this up with a green smoothie consisting of plant-based protein powder, spirulina, fresh kale, mint, frozen mango, olive oil and sea salt.’
Sergio said Chris’s wife, Elsa Pataky, was also committed to her overall health.
‘Elsa is exactly like Chris in the sense that she is tremendously hard working – she’s very committed to her health and fitness,’ he said.
‘In terms of food, Elsa is Spanish so she is a big proponent of Mediterranean cuisine. She eats a balanced diet, and the key is always using good olive oil, fresh produce and proteins.’
Sergio also religiously makes sure Chris has a warm lemon water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar every morning on an empty stomach because it helps his body to stay alkaline for better nutrient absorption.
Elsewhere in the actor’s diet, Sergio revealed Chris will eat plenty of fish, nutrient-rich vegetables including spinach and kale and complex carbohydrates.
‘He was never much of a seafood fan, he was always a big meat eater,’ he wrote on Chris’s blog Centr.
‘I think the reason for that was because he never really experienced fresh seafood. Everything I buy is always freshly caught.’
Chris also uses a good multi-vitamin that includes vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and some form of a green powder supplement.
When it comes to getting an Avengers body like Chris’s, Sergio said it’s all about getting physical as much and as often as possible.
‘Do something physical every day for a minimum of 20 minutes,’ he said.
‘Whether it’s a brisk walk, run, weights, boxing… you also need to stretch your body for a minimum of 15 minutes.’
He also recommends working out on an empty stomach where possible followed by a protein smoothie ‘immediately after training’.
‘I am a fan of ice baths two to five days a week for two to three minutes,’ Sergio added.
‘As long as you can do 10 minutes total for the week, this will strengthen your heart, immune system, recovery of muscles, and it increases the metabolism drastically.’
He also recommends working out on an empty stomach where possible followed by a protein smoothie ‘immediately after training’.
‘I am a fan of ice baths two to five days a week for two to three minutes,’ Sergio added.
‘As long as you can do 10 minutes total for the week, this will strengthen your heart, immune system, recovery of muscles, and it increases the metabolism drastically.’
Sergio also shared his top tips for home cooks, and the main mistakes we make in the kitchen.
‘Not having the right pans for the right job is one of the biggest mistakes home cooks make,’ he said.
‘Always have one or two non-stick small or medium pans for omelettes or eggs only. Them, use large fry pans for proteins, small and large pots for rice and soups, and pasta and cast iron casserole for slow-cooked meals and braises.’
He said have all the staples you need for cooking meals such as olive oil, apple cider and red wine vinegar, and sea salt in your pantry.
‘Use citrus of all kinds and more fresh herbs and spices rather than dried herbs as everyone keeps them for too long and they go rancid,’ he said.
Finally, he shared his cooking secret weapon – agave nectar.
‘It’s great for adding sweetness to any dish and it’s very neutral in flavour,’ Sergio said.
‘It’s also very healthy and low glycemic which does not spike blood sugar levels like syrups do.’
Source: dailymail.co.uk
