Chef Daniel 'Danny' Brooks

Chef Daniel "Danny" Brooks

Executive Chef & Healthy Recipe Innovator

Award-winning chef transforming comfort food classics into nutritious, family-friendly meals. Specializes in healthy lunch and dinner recipes with bold American flavors.

Healthy Comfort Food Meal Prep & Batch Cooking Family-Friendly Dinners Quick Lunch Solutions Sports Nutrition Meals

About Chef Daniel Brooks

Chef Daniel Brooks—known as "Chef Danny" to his fans—is revolutionizing healthy eating by proving that nutritious food can be just as satisfying as traditional comfort food. With 18+ years of culinary experience and a personal weight loss transformation journey, Danny specializes in creating delicious, macro-balanced recipes that don't feel like "diet food."

Professional Background

Growing up in Texas, Danny learned to cook traditional American comfort food from his grandmother. After culinary school and years working in high-end restaurants, a personal health crisis in his early 30s led him to completely reimagine his approach to cooking. He lost 85 pounds while never sacrificing flavor, and now shares those techniques with home cooks everywhere.

  • Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park - AOS Culinary Arts, 2005
  • Certified Nutritional Consultant - American Association of Nutritional Consultants, 2018
  • Executive Chef - FitFuel Kitchens, Austin (2013-2019)
  • Cookbook Author - "Comfort Food Makeover" (2021), "Meal Prep Mastery" (2023)
"I refused to eat bland 'health food,' so I started experimenting with making my favorite comfort foods healthier. Eighteen months later, I'd lost 85 pounds and felt better than ever. Now I help others do the same—eat delicious food and get healthy."

Signature Recipes

Healthy Makeovers

  • Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken
  • Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
  • Turkey & Veggie Meatloaf
  • Healthy Chicken Parmesan
  • Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Meal Prep Favorites

  • Mason Jar Chicken Cobb Salad
  • Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls
  • Overnight Oats 5 Ways
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
  • Breakfast Egg Muffins

Cooking Philosophy

Danny's philosophy combines evidence-based nutrition with the bold flavors of comfort food:

  • Evidence-based nutrition - Balanced macros, whole foods, sustainable eating
  • Comfort food flavors - Bold seasoning, satisfying textures, familiar favorites
  • Practical meal prep - Batch cooking, freezer-friendly, real-life solutions
  • Family-friendly - Recipes even picky eaters will love