As a professional chef, I’ve spent my career crafting exquisite dishes, pushing culinary boundaries, and even earning accolades like a Food Network Chopped Champion title and the honor of cooking at the White House. Yet, despite my deep connection to food and its artistry, my personal relationship with eating had become… unhealthy. Large portions, late-night indulgences, and a general disregard for my own well-being crept in, leading to a significant weight gain. At my heaviest, I was carrying an extra 100 pounds, a stark contrast to the vibrant, active lifestyle I grew up with. It wasn’t until a serious heart-health scare eight years ago that I was forced to pause, reflect, and fundamentally change my approach to food and fitness. This is the story of how I shed 75 pounds and rediscovered a healthier, more balanced me, by returning to the very roots of my culinary identity.
The Gradual Drift: How I Gained 100 Pounds
My journey to significant weight gain wasn’t a sudden event; it was a slow, insidious drift away from the foundational habits of my youth. I hail from the beautiful Greek island of Kythira, a place where life and food are intrinsically linked to the rhythm of nature. My childhood was filled with the simple, profound joy of fresh, seasonal ingredients. I have vivid memories of diving into the crystal-clear waters with my father, hands outstretched, to catch octopus, lobster, and branzino. These weren’t just meals; they were experiences. We’d grill the day’s catch over open flames, a squeeze of fresh lemon transforming simple seafood into a masterpiece. The branzino season was eagerly anticipated, and a simple lobster pasta, elevated by the finest extra virgin olive oil, fragrant garlic, ripe tomatoes, and a splash of white wine, remains my benchmark for culinary perfection.
Beyond the plate, movement was an inherent part of our lives. We didn’t "exercise" in the modern sense; we simply lived. We walked everywhere, climbed hills, swam in the sea, and our days were a continuous flow of physical activity. Food was viewed not just as sustenance, but as a cornerstone of community and a celebration of the earth’s bounty.
My move to New York City on November 14, 2012, marked a significant shift. Suddenly, the natural rhythms of island life were replaced by the relentless pace of a bustling metropolis. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating without mindful intention became my new norms. My weight, which typically hovered around a healthy 160 pounds (occasionally fluctuating to a still-healthy 175 pounds), began to climb. It reached a concerning 260 pounds. This wasn’t just a number; it was a physical manifestation of my disconnect from who I was.
The Wake-Up Call: A Health Scare and a Return to Self
At my heaviest, I felt a profound sense of being out of sync. I no longer recognized the reflection in the mirror. I felt alienated from my Greek heritage, from the very essence of what it meant to be a chef – someone who understands vitality, purity of ingredients, and the energy they impart. My identity was rooted in the sea, in the vibrant flavors of my homeland, and in the clean, wholesome food that fueled a life lived with purpose. My current lifestyle was a betrayal of all of that. I felt unbalanced, adrift.
Then, eight years ago, the universe intervened with a stark reminder of my mortality. A heart-health scare landed me in a situation where I needed a stent. It was a terrifying wake-up call, a moment where I came perilously close to losing everything. In that vulnerable space, my mind drifted back to my childhood, to my family, to the sun-drenched shores of Kythira. A quiet voice within me whispered, "Nick, you grew up well. You know what to do." It wasn’t about finding a fad diet or a quick fix; it was about a mental homecoming, a return to the fundamental principles that had guided me for so long.
This health scare wasn’t just a physical event; it was a profound catalyst for a mindset shift. I realized that my culinary expertise wasn’t just for others; it was a blueprint for my own well-being. I needed to reclaim the Mediterranean way of living, a lifestyle that had been so deeply ingrained in me, yet which I had so carelessly abandoned. I had strayed far from my roots, losing the natural rhythm and balance that once defined me. The path forward was clear: I had to find my way back home, mentally and physically.
Embracing Simplicity: The Culinary Pillars of My Transformation
My weight loss journey wasn’t about restrictive eating or depriving myself. It was about rediscovering the power of simple, whole foods and reconnecting with the culinary heritage that has always been my anchor.
A Return to the Mediterranean Plate
About six years ago, I made a conscious decision to shed the habits that were holding me back. This included a complete cessation of alcohol and smoking. With these detrimental influences removed, I turned my attention to my plate, consciously reverting to the eating patterns of my childhood. My meals became a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of quality ingredients:
- Grilled fish with wild greens: Freshly caught or sustainably sourced, simply grilled and served with a bounty of foraged greens.
- Chicken with vegetables and herbs: Lean protein paired with a vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables, infused with the aromatic essence of fresh herbs.
- Lentils with olive oil and lemon: A humble yet incredibly nutritious staple, elevated by the richness of extra virgin olive oil and the bright tang of fresh lemon.
- Generous Greek salads: Bursting with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a generous pour of olive oil.
Each morning, I began my day with a spoonful of authentic honey from Kythira, a small ritual that grounded me. And before each meal, a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil served as a palate cleanser and a gentle reminder of the healthy fats that are so crucial to the Mediterranean diet.
The Power of Nutrient-Dense Foods
My focus shifted to embracing the core tenets of Mediterranean cuisine: an abundance of vegetables, fragrant herbs, lean seafood, and, of course, high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This wasn’t about following a rigid "diet" in the conventional sense. Instead, it was about recognizing that when you nourish your body with food that is inherently satisfying and packed with nutrients, your appetite naturally regulates itself. The portion sizes began to shrink organically because I was truly satiated. Choosing ingredients that resonated with my Greek identity was not only instrumental in my weight loss but also in reigniting my passion for the kind of food I wanted to serve in my own restaurant – food characterized by clarity, purpose, balance, and a deep respect for its origins.
Rebuilding My Engine: The Fitness Foundation
Just as my diet underwent a transformation, so too did my approach to physical activity. The key was consistency and a gradual reintroduction of movement, mirroring the natural, unforced activity of my youth.
The Rhythm of Daily Movement
In Kythira, movement is as natural as breathing. People walk, climb, and swim without a second thought. My initial fitness goal wasn’t about conquering extreme workouts; it was about showing up for myself, consistently, every single day. I started small, establishing a non-negotiable routine:
- Daily Cardio: I dedicated 45 minutes each morning to low-impact cardio on the elliptical. This built a solid foundation of endurance and consistency without overwhelming my system.
- Progressive Strength Training: Once I had established the cardio habit, I gradually incorporated weight training. The focus wasn’t solely on shedding pounds, but on building functional strength and promoting longevity.
The 5 AM Ritual
To this day, my gym workout begins at 5:00 AM. This early start has become a crucial part of my routine, a way to center myself, clear my mind, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. It’s a commitment to my physical and mental well-being that I cherish.
The Results: More Than Just a Number
Through this consistent approach to diet and exercise, I achieved a significant transformation. I lost 75 pounds over the course of two years, reaching a body fat percentage of 12 percent. Today, I maintain a body fat of around 9 percent, as I actively engage in training for strength and muscle gain.
The true success, however, lies not just in the number on the scale but in the sustained consistency of my lifestyle. I continue to embrace the principles of Greek cuisine and prioritize walking whenever possible. For me, health is not about deprivation; it’s about alignment. The Mediterranean lifestyle resonates with me because it’s inherently sustainable and, more importantly, it brings me immense joy. I’ve learned that my health and happiness are inextricably linked, and prioritizing both has been the most rewarding aspect of this journey.
A Full Circle Moment: Sharing My Passion
My journey of rediscovery has brought me back to my culinary roots in a profound way. Reconnecting with my Greek heritage through food has allowed me to find a perfect equilibrium between discipline and pleasure. Moderation is the cornerstone of my lifestyle. My daily routine provides me with structure and grounding, but it also grants me the freedom to fully enjoy my life and my work.
This transformation has come full circle, culminating in the exciting opening of my new restaurant, aptly named Kythira NP, in Soho in Spring 2026. This restaurant is more than just a business; it’s a sanctuary for tradition, a tribute to my homeland, and a platform to express the memories and flavors of my island through honest, thoughtful cooking. I am thrilled to invite people to share in this journey with me, to experience the essence of Kythira through every plate.
My Advice to You
For anyone embarking on their own weight loss or wellness journey, my most sincere advice is this: Lean into the healthy foods that naturally draw you in. Explore the vibrant world of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, the bounty of the sea, and the liquid gold of high-quality olive oil. I believe the Mediterranean lifestyle is so effective because it’s not a restrictive "diet." It’s a way of life, a philosophy of eating and living that fosters well-being from the inside out. It’s what guided my own profound transformation, and it’s the spirit of joy, connection, and respect for food that I aspire to share with every guest who walks through the doors of Kythira NP. Your journey to a healthier, happier you begins with embracing the nourishment that resonates with your soul.
