Maximilian Sebastian Haxel, a Culinary Health Alchemist who was born near Germany's Black Forest, discovered his love for food early in life.
After training under Chef Dieter Mettmann and refining his craft in Berlin’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Max founded "Fingerfood Berlin," a successful fine dining catering company. His journey took him across the globe, leading to the creation of "Puro Catering" in Portugal and ultimately "The Science Chef," a project that combines health, flavor, and culinary creativity to craft nutritionally balanced meals for retreats and private clients.

After a global journey for new culinary inspiration, Max settled in the Algarve, Portugal, where he launched "Puro Catering," focusing on weddings and exclusive events. His latest venture, "The Science Chef," creates nutritionally balanced meals for retreats and private clients, combining health and flavor with creative culinary experience.

Here’s a detailed journey of his love affair with healthy food and how it inspired me to create The Science Chef, blending my passion for gourmet cuisine with the art of nutrition.

The Science Behind Healthy, Delicious Food

Food is a fundamental part of our lives and well-being. With this passion, we created The Science Chef, a project designed for those who want to eat better and live healthier.

Eating better isn't just about making healthier food choices—it's about making those healthy alternatives tastier and more satisfying than anything else. That's where we come in! If you love delicious food and also want to live a healthier life, you can do both. There’s a misconception that healthy food is boring, but what if we told you that every meal could taste like a 5-star experience while being good for you? Curious to learn more?

We’ve all heard the phrase, "We are what we eat," but how often do we reflect on its deeper meaning? Today, more than ever, science confirms this truth. With modern advancements, we now understand how every bite we take is absorbed and becomes a part of our biology. Every vitamin and mineral serves a vital role, supporting the trillions of cells that make up our bodies. These cells thrive or deteriorate based on the nutrition we provide.

But food is not just nourishment—it's joy, comfort, and the force that brings friends and families together. Given its significance, the quality of our food directly impacts our health and well-being. At Puro Food & Catering, we are here to guide you to better food choices while taking your taste buds on a flavorful journey.

Introducing Our Vegan Meal Plan

One of our standout creations is the Ultimate Vegan Meal Plan, offering a detailed meal plan for vegans that perfectly balances essential nutrients. Each recipe is crafted to nourish your body, with specific details on how each meal benefits you.

Recipe for 2 portions:

Curcuma Quinoa

• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
• 100g quinoa
• 1 tsp fresh chopped turmeric
• 1/4 tsp mild curry powder
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
• Pinch of ground black pepper
• Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
• 200 ml filtered water

Oven-baked Hokkaido Pumpkin

• 150g Hokkaido pumpkin
• 1 pinch Himalayan pink salt
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper powder
• 3 branches of lemon thyme
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Beetroot Falafel

• 150g fresh beetroot
• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
• 100g dry chickpeas (soaked overnight & cooked)
• 20g chickpea flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• 1 tsp nutritional yeast
• 1 small red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 80g shelled hemp seeds

Wild Herb Salad

• 1/2 bunch kale
• 1/2 bunch wild parsley
• 1/2 bunch watercress
• 1 tbsp raw hemp seeds
• 1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt

Coconut Dressing

• 3 tbsp coconut cream
• 1 tbsp coconut water
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 tbsp fermented soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Peel and quarter the beetroot, cut into finger-thick slices, marinate with coconut oil and salt, and roast at 200°C for 30 minutes.
2. Halve and quarter the Hokkaido pumpkin, remove the core, marinate with salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, and coconut oil, and bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse quinoa in hot water, sauté in coconut oil, then add turmeric, salt, curry powder, and fry briefly. Add water, bring to a boil, and simmer on low for 12 minutes. Drain and mix with lemon juice, zest, and black pepper.
4. Drain cooked chickpeas and puree with beetroot and remaining falafel ingredients (except hemp seeds) in a food processor. Shape into balls, roll in hemp seeds, and bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.
5. Toss kale, watercress, parsley, pumpkin, and hemp seeds in a bowl. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
6. Blend all coconut dressing ingredients until creamy white sauce forms.
7. Plate up and enjoy.

This is an example of a balanced vegan meal, providing an optimal distribution of macronutrients:

• 45-50% of calories from complex carbs
• 30% from healthy fats
• 20-25% from protein

Vegan diets often fall short in protein intake, so it’s essential to include enough plant-based protein. Our dish also supports vegans in avoiding potential nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D, or iron. This meal is packed with vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, and contains fats that aid vitamin D synthesis from sun exposure. Essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc are also abundant.

Ingredient Highlights:

• Quinoa is rich in plant-based protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. It also provides complex carbohydrates, iron, and magnesium.
• Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that becomes 2000% more bioavailable when combined with piperine (found in black pepper).
• Hokkaido Pumpkin is rich in carotenes, the plant form of vitamin A. The added coconut and olive oils aid in vitamin A absorption.
• Chickpeas are another excellent plant protein source with a low glycemic index. They contain minerals like iron, manganese, and zinc.
• Beetroot adds vibrant color and antioxidants such as betalains and carotenes. It is packed with magnesium, potassium, selenium, and iron.
• Garlic contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It enhances mineral absorption and promotes cardiovascular health.

Our vegan meal is designed to be nutritionally comprehensive while offering vibrant flavors, ensuring that eating healthy can be exciting and satisfying.

Key Takeaways from Max' Journey

• Gourmet food can be healthy and delicious without compromise.
• Nutritionally balanced meals are essential to a healthier lifestyle.
• Creative culinary experiences can elevate your wellness journey.