It has long been said that a man’s stomach is the way to his heart, but as it turns out, the same could probably be said for women.
A new study of 2,000 singletons has unveiled that it is a case of ‘love at first bite’ for more than one in five Brits, who admit they decide whether to continue dating someone - based on their FOOD PREFERENCES.
To see how far food really goes in finding love, superstar singleton – Anthony Joshua – has taken part in a unique dating experiment where the heavyweight champ is matched with complete strangers, connected only through their love of the same foods and flavours.
Anthony Joshua has been challenged by Peperami Chicken Bites to find love at first bite, taking part in a unique dating experiment that matches the superstar with singletons, based on food preference alone. To watch the episode, visit @PeperamiTV on Instagram
Tell us about the ‘Love at first bite’ campaign with Peperami Chicken Bites? What made you want to get involved? Is there anything, in particular, you were looking forward to / enjoyed as part of the experience?
“Working on the Peperami love at first bite campaign has been great. I really enjoyed the shoot day, meeting so many nice people and best of all being able to sample some amazing dishes that I was lucky enough to have cooked for me. I have of course been aware of the brand since I was a kid when it was in my lunchbox so it was a pleasure to be involved.”
Do you often date? When was your last date? How have you found the dating scene in lockdown? Any tips or advice for those looking for love in the current climate? Do you find it hard to date with your busy schedule? Do you think it is harder to date if you have kids?
“The honest answer is I don’t really date. My last date was in the boxing gym…with boxing, I am married to boxing really. I don’t really do dates, I am not really interested in it. I am much more in to just being in relaxed situations and developing friendships. I don’t think my schedule plays any part in really I just don’t put pressure on situations. In terms of kids I guess it is down to the individual circumstances.”
What is the way to your heart (opportunity to talk about food)? What is your type? What qualities do you look for in someone? Do you think you have ever had to compromise love for career? Would you ever date a non-celeb?
“One way is definitely through food, which was a big part of the reason I enjoyed being involved in this campaign. In terms of qualities I think it’s important how people were raised and the values they have. I don’t really see myself as a celebrity but you know what, if any celebrities are out there looking I am available hahaha. And no I am lucky I have never been in the situation to compromise love for my career.”
What would be your perfect date? If you were to go to a restaurant what would you go for? Any food no nos (for you or the date)?
“Like I said I am not a big fan of the date situation but if I was on a date I would find a good local restaurant. For me no food is off limits, I would just like who I am with to enjoy themselves and eat exactly what they want to. I am definitely not a food snob.”
How important is it to you that your date / partner likes the same food as you? Have you ever judged someone on what they have chosen to eat? Any particular cuisines you prefer? Would you consider yourself a healthy eater?
“No I am not worried about what a date would eat and I have never judged someone on what they were eating. I am a healthy eater as it’s part of my job but it wouldn’t really worry me what my partner was eating. I like all types of food really but when I am training I have to be more careful and regimented in my approach to nutrition.”
What is the most memorable first date that you have ever been on? Any bad / embarrassing dating experiences?
“A gentleman never tells. No in honesty I can’t think of any!”
Do you tend to cook at home? Or would your partner need to do the cooking? What dish would you cook for someone on a first date? Do you have a go-to recipe? Any foods that you would avoid?
“Yes I do cook at home, my family also does a lot of home cooking which is great. With a partner I wouldn’t put that pressure on as my diet is a large part of my job so I wouldn’t want to add any pressure on and keep it separate. I don’t really have a go to recipe but given what I learnt on the shoot I think I would be deploying chicken bites for sure.”
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Believe it or not, I love chicken. Or something like fried rice and boiled fish. You know why? Because it is as delicious as it sounds!”
How was lockdown for you? What did you do? The nation went cooking crazy in lockdown, did you and your family cook more at home during this time? Did you find a new hobby?
“It was tough for everyone and I can’t complain as so many people had it really tough. I locked myself away and made sure I kept on top of my training and nutrition. It was nice to spend a little more quality time with my direct family as I am usually on the road so much. Yeah the family cooked which was really nice, we have some great chefs in the family. I did find a new hobby, cycling which I have been really enjoying.”
What is next for your career? Do you have any other exciting projects you’re working on? When is the next fight you’re training for and who is it against? What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Have you set any goals for the rest of 2021?
“What’s happening next is the transition in to full training camp to prepare for one of the biggest fights of my career against Pulev which will hopefully take place at the end of the year. In terms of spare time I just don’t really have that much, boxing takes so much dedication that it is hard to have other interests. My goal setting is always quite simple and my next set is to get more early nights.”
Watch the full episode here via @PeperamiTV
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