Isabelle Junot: “I have not yet developed a palate for offal, nothing catches my attention”

One more year, and there are 12, Solán de Cabras continues with its commitment in the fight against breast cancer together with the Spanish Association Against Cancer. On this occasion, they have done so with the launch of Reflection of a commitmentan illustrated book that pays tribute to all the people, institutions and entities that support and accompany people with this disease, and whose sales will go entirely to the institution.

For the fourth consecutive year, the businesswoman, nutritional coach and celebrity Isabelle Junot (34 years old) joins this initiative of the natural mineral water brand as an ambassador. “I really like participating in this campaign with them, because they give voice to something that is very important. Every year, Solán de Cabras finds a slightly more creative way to collaborate with different Spanish artists to help people who accompany cancer patients. This time, in addition to the emblematic pink bottles, they have made this book that is very beautiful,” Isabelle tells METRÓPOLI shortly after the presentation of the publication, on sale in bookstores for 38 euros.

Have you been around cancer patients?

Yes, unfortunately I believe that too many people experience this disease very closely, directly or indirectly. In my case we just had a scare in the family. My grandfather had breast cancer and my mother has the BRCA gene, so it is a very present topic.

You are a nutrition coach, what role do you think diet plays in cancer prevention?

A very important role. I defend that nutrition is medicine, and how you eat has an influence, but not only that. Having a good relationship with food helps you have a good relationship with yourself, with your body, and that also influences how you manage stress, which is the number one enemy. It’s not worth spending all day eating broccoli, trying to lose weight, if you’re always stressed afterwards.

Are you one of those who drinks at least two liters of water a day?

No, I more than inside me With water I try to think about the balance of electrolytes and minerals I have. In other words, I’m not going to drink two liters of water just because, I’m going to listen to my body a little and I’m going to try to add vegetables, fruits… And, when it’s hotter, well, you do have to drink more.

Is your diet different now that you are pregnant with your second child?

Yes, and I think naturally. That’s where I see that the body is very wise. In my case, in the first three months, which are a little more intense, the body does not ask for anything processed or sugar. It may be due to nausea and discomfort; On the other hand, it does ask me for carbohydrates, proteins… And it is true that in the last trimester, when you are no longer fighting against that nausea, I suddenly crave something sweet again, so I allow myself and enjoy it.

How important is gastronomy in your life?

Very much. It is part of my daily life, and not because I eat three times a day, but it is the center of many important things, of experiences shared with friends, with family, of celebrations…

Do you have any nice memories around the table during your childhood?

Thousands, but one that comes to mind, and that was something very important to my mother, is for example that we were all together at breakfast to start the day well. It didn’t matter if we got to school later, but at 8:15 a.m. We had to be seated at the table to have breakfast together. It was something nice.

Has your interest in gastronomy increased since your time on MasterChef Celebrity in 2022?

Yes, the truth is that quite a bit. What I had mastered was that relationship with food, with the body, etc. But what I was missing was getting a good relationship with the kitchen. Before, cooking was difficult for me and, when I learned, that became a moment of disconnection for me.

Do you cook daily?

The truth is no, because I can’t cope with my daughter, pregnancy and work. I have help at home, but it’s true that I miss it more and more, and when I can, especially on the weekend, I take advantage, put down my phone and dedicate time to it.

A recipe that borders.

The pancakes, American pancakes! Also baked chicken, pasta…

With French and Danish roots, what type of gastronomy do you prefer?

The French one! In the morning, I usually have toast with butter and soft-boiled egg, which is kind of very French. It is true that in Denmark there are many things that I miss when I go, but it is a slightly different gastronomy.

Do you have prejudices against a specific cuisine?

I am in favor of not restricting anything, but what does not attract my attention at all are the insects. Neither does the offal. I haven’t developed the palate for it yet.

A dish you can’t resist?

Well, a good baked chicken with potatoes. I also love rice, pasta, sushi… I like many things, I can’t resist anything.

Your sister-in-law Tamara Falcó won MasterChef Celebrity in 2019. Do you ever get together to cook?

Not often, but sometimes, yes. We get together more to eat together than to cook, we like it more.

What does your life taste like now?

Well, very good, to something sweet, because I am having a very sweet time right now, both with my daughter and with the pregnancy. I am in a very peaceful moment.

And fame?

Well, that’s a question I’ve never asked myself. It tastes like a homemade dish. I don’t know, I don’t have a bad experience with that and it’s not something that happens to me a lot either.

Does it conquer your stomach?

Yes, why not? But also with humor, with kindness…

What stops your appetite?

Very strong emotions, also very strong smells.

What is never missing from your table?

Good company. Well, lie, many times I eat alone [risas]. But, look, what is never lacking is a mixture of good flavor, texture and colors.

And what can’t you stand in it?

Well, let everyone be on their cell phones.

When was the last time you binged on something?

Well, many years ago, because I just have great control over not doing that. But I guess it was at the movies with sweet popcorn.

When was the last time you got upset?

Of shame? I don’t remember, maybe when I was little. I’m not very shy.

What do you spice up in your life?

I like spicy.

Is there somewhere you always enjoy at the table?

Yes, at my grandmother’s house in Denmark.

Is there something that makes your life bitter?

I don’t believe, right now, anything.

When was the last time you rode a chicken?

The truth is that I don’t usually mount any chicken. I’m more into talking things cordially. Maybe I’m encouraged soon to spice up my life.

Who is the parsley in your sauces?

My husband, because parsley is a good thing, right?

And the salt of your life?

My daughter.

When was the last time you celebrated something at the table?

When we find out the gender of the baby that is coming. We celebrated it at home with immediate family. We put a letter inside an envelope and when people opened it, the color appeared pink or blue, depending on the sex of the baby. A little cheesy but it was fun for me.

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