Jamie Oliver: the British celebrity chef

Jamie Oliver has been best known for his television series. His great attention to garden-fresh, organic food becomes the motive for the successful TV series. The British celebrity chef, 43, discusses happy families, healthy eating, and why he wishes he wasn’t famous.

He believes with his strict schedule he can balance home life and work. ‘I’ve got a group of people who manage my time very well and help me protect my kids’ school moments and weekends. I work hard, but I have good-quality home time too,’ said Jamie.

‘It’s not always easy to switch off, but I unwind by cuddling and spending time with my kids, sitting in the garden and listening to birds, picking herbs and cooking. Although I’m passionate about fantastically miserable British indie music, my taste of music has been changing in the evenings because of my age.

‘Every day I wish I wasn’t famous. But I’m lucky enough to work with nice people; getting more people to shop in a healthier way, cooking together and having a laugh make my job pretty good to have, so I’m super grateful.’ He believes that being grateful is the key to happiness.

‘I think a lot of our attitude is down to history; the Industrial Revolution hit harder and earlier here, which set the scene for British parents working, needing convenience, juggling to fit everything in. Knowledge is the key – that’s the currency that can help people, regardless of the budget. Most of the best meals I’ve ever had have come from communities that are fairly humble.

‘I like eating healthily, and I eat wonderful healthy food most of the time, but I also work in the food industry. I like jogging, so I keep fit and run around with my family. While I’ve never been sporty, I’m strong and in pretty good health, touch wood!

‘If I had one piece of advice for my younger self, it would be ‘Follow your heart, and follow your instinct’.

Adapted from The Guardian and the Culinary Schools website