Chapter 5 The Professional Chef 61
relieving stress. These behaviors are harmful
to the individual, his or her family and
friends, and coworkers. People who feel they
cannot cope with stress should seek profes-
sional help.
Identifying the cause of and your reac-
tion to stress is key to managing it. In order
to reduce stress, you must eliminate what is
causing it. This may require discussing work
conditions or expectations with a super-
visor. It may also mean settling a conflict,
or disagreement, with a coworker. If stress
levels do not improve, it may be necessary to
find a new job with manageable stress levels.
Individuals working in the hospitality
industry must find healthy ways to manage
stress. Each person manages stress differ-
ently. Some positive ways include medita-
tion, talking to a friend, exercise, reading,
or hobbies. Stress management classes offer
a more focused approach. Many schools,
agencies, and sometimes employers offer
these classes. Stress management classes are
helpful because they teach you how to deal
with stress before it becomes a problem.
Maintain Health
Working in a professional kitchen is
physically demanding. Good health is neces-
sary to do the job well. Like professional
athletes, chefs must be in good physical
condition to perform their best.
Younger culinarians often fail to get
enough rest. The temptation to do too much
on too little sleep is sometimes irresistible.
Without proper rest, workers are less effec-
tive and more likely to be injured. Fatigue is
a leading cause of accidents in the kitchen.
Regular physical exercise is key to main-
taining health, 5-4. It is also effective for
relieving stress. Working in a professional
kitchen involves a great deal of physical
activity. However, this work does not exercise
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5-4 Regular physical exercise helps chefs perform
their job well and deal with stress.
Balance on the Plate
The demands of working in the culinary
industry can be overwhelming. A culinary
professional’s health is affected when these
demands create prolonged stress. Eating a
well-balanced diet is one way to combat the
effects of stress on the body. Nutrients that
play a role in building immunity are protein,
vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc. A daily meal
plan should include whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats,
and small amounts of unsaturated oils. These
foods provide a balance of nutrients the body
needs to maintain good health. Limit the
amount of solid fats and added sugars that
come from cakes, cookies, sodas, and ice
cream. Many of these foods provide a lot of
calories but very little nutrients.
N u t r it i o n Co n n ect i o n N u t r it i o n Co n n ect i o n