Winning My Kitchen Rules NZ was a dream come true for Belinda MacDonald, but the triumph was mixed with grief for her father John, who passed away shortly before the grand final of the cooking show went to air in October 2014.
Memories of the loss of her dear dad are still fresh in Cambridge cook Bel’s mind, especially at this time of year.
“He died on the 29th of September and we filmed the ending of MKR three weeks before,” the food personality and mum of three tells Woman’s Day. Earlier that year, John had received the devastating news his illness had become terminal.
“Dad had been battling cancer on and off for 10 years,” shares Bel, her eyes brimming with tears. “When we learned he only had six months to live, we were absolutely heartbroken. I’m the baby of the family – and I acted like one too. I threw my toys out of the cot. I wept.”
But when she told him she was considering entering MKR, her dad encouraged her to do so, even though he was soon to go into palliative care. “I told him on a whim that Neena and I were thinking of entering MKR,” she says.
Bel competed on the show for her brave dad and her kids.
“He told me, ‘Go for it, sweetheart. I’ve always wanted to watch you on TV. You’ll be absolutely amazing. And I so believe in you.’
“Seeing my dad so excited about this crazy adventure made me realise weeping beside his bed for the next six months wasn’t the answer.
“If roles were reversed and it was me sick, how would I feel if my girls were mourning by my side? I’d much prefer them to be making memories and trying to live their lives to the fullest.”
Leaving for a busy six weeks of filming in Auckland wasn’t easy, Bel admits. “Because I was putting so much on the line, especially leaving the kids, I really had to look at it like a job.”
Her family bonds anchored her throughout the competition.
“I focused on nothing else but my dad, husband and my kids throughout the entire challenging season of MKR. Dad was there riding with me on my shoulder, saying, ‘Kia kaha, you got this’.”
Sadly, John passed away before Bel and her bestie Neena Truscott were declared the season’s winners with their “modern-day hippie” fare.
With her MKR bestie Neena.
“I knew Dad would have been so proud of me and I feel strongly that he knew the outcome!” Bel enthuses.
Reflecting on the experience, Bel tells anyone with a passion for food to pursue it.
“My advice to aspiring foodies and future MKR contestants is just keep that fire burning,” she urges. “Do not let your fire burn out. Take risks. Step out of your comfort zone! Make memories.
“Winning the show and losing my best mate gave me strength I never knew I had. Dad was a warrior, a determined yet kind man, and I have his qualities within me.”
This grit and drive has seen Bel rise to other challenges as well, such as losing 35kg after the show wrapped.
“After having three babies back to back, I was overweight, exhausted and just in survival mode, eating way too many toffee pops and toasties,” she confides. “I was not happy, and made it my mission to lose weight and regain health.”
One way Bel succeeded in her weight-loss goal was to steer away from processed carbs.
Not all carbs are evil, but she says, “The low carb diet – although I hate the D word! – actually worked for my body.”
Her kids – Olive, 12, Clover, 11, and Belsie, 10 – were a big source of motivation as she dropped the kilos.
“It’s hard to keep up with little ones and do your job if you are in pain! Weight loss has improved my clickity hips and I’m a better person when I’m not boozing or drinking coffee,” she says.
As a pink-haired, brightly dressed, passionate foodie, Bel is adamant that making healthier choices doesn’t mean eating “beige or boring”.
“My body thrives when I simplify things. Pack in the veges, herbs, spices and nourishing healthy fats. It’s really delicious and my body craves living like this.”
This lifestyle is showcased in her latest book Flavourbomb, which is packed with quick, modern, low-carb dishes. “My recipes are all about good vibes. It’s a colourful collection of simplicity because we are all so busy spinning plates! It’s the food we eat at home.”
Demonstrating a balanced lifestyle and healthy self-image for her children matters to Bel.
“As a mum to three daughters, self-love, uniqueness and acceptance are very important. I remember Dad saying, ‘Everybody has something to offer the community.’ What a wise man he was! We miss our mighty kauri and Boppa.”
