“I always get asked what my guilty pleasure is, and the answer remains the same. I feel no guilt from anything I take pleasure from in life. I am a sensualist.”

“Roller skating and boxing are my best sources of escape. I grew up skating in New York and I still love doing it today. And boxing has given me such strength, mental focus, solace and joy.”

“I get so much inspiration from the people in my life. My sister’s resilience; my father’s optimism; my boyfriend’s ambition, perspective and humor; my friend Tan’s newfound purpose as a father; my friend Ben’s never taking no for an answer; my friend Reema’s constant kindness.”

“My desert island meal would be a simple grilled fish like snapper or mahi-mahi, with olive oil, a hit of lemon and fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. On the side, some perfectly ripe tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, green olives, flaky salt and loads of freshly cracked pepper.”

“I never liked my body and used to dress to disappear. As I’ve gotten more confident in the kitchen, I’ve also grown more comfortable in my own skin. I’m not afraid of color or trying to hide my body anymore. So I say get the orange jumpsuit you’ve been eyeing for weeks!”

“If you want to instantly become a better cook, stop cooking for the internet, the views and the likes, and start cooking for yourself and the people in front of you.”