Meet Ali D., the Macro Cook
Ali D. is not your typical chef. In fact, he doesn’t consider himself one at all. A self-taught foodie with a love for fitness, Ali’s journey into the kitchen came out of necessity, fuelled by a need to accommodate his gluten intolerance and his passion for healthy eating.
Today, Ali is inspiring a growing community through Cookin, where he sells protein-packed, gluten-free treats that defy the stereotype of dry, bland “health” foods.
A Journey Born from Necessity
Ali’s food journey began at a tough time for his family. When his father faced a health challenge, early detection helped, but he chose to focus on diet as part of his recovery. “My dad did a lot of research on health and nutrition,” Ali shares, “and that got me into it, too. We became more health-oriented as a family after that.”
Ali’s personal health journey came to the forefront when he developed a gluten intolerance after moving to Canada for university. He couldn’t find gluten-free meals that met his fitness-focused, high-protein needs. So, while juggling his studies and basketball, Ali taught himself to cook. “I was always into fitness, but I had no idea how important diet was until I started learning from my own research.”
“My first meal was a disaster,” Ali laughs, recalling how he undercooked a chicken breast. But that trial and error helped him develop the skills that he’s now known for, and over time, Ali’s confidence in the kitchen grew. With encouragement from his brother and friends, Ali started posting his recipes on Instagram, slowly building an audience interested in healthy, gluten-free options.
The Leap into Selling
When Ali saw an opportunity to sell his healthy treats, he jumped at the chance—but he didn’t rush things. “There’s a Turkish saying,” he shares. “If you rush, the devil will be in the mix.” Ali took his time, perfecting his recipes and making sure each batch was just right. “I wasn’t going to sell anything I didn’t believe in.”
Ali discovered Cookin when he noticed ads for home cooks selling their meals. After checking out a few options, he knew Cookin was the real deal. “It was the only platform that took things seriously,” he explains. “They required health inspections, asked for food handler certificates—none of the others did that. It made me feel safe selling my food.”
Food laws and licensing requirements vary between countries and regions, and every chef is responsible for meeting the health standards specific to their location. In Ali’s case, that means adhering to Toronto’s food safety guidelines.
With Cookin’s support, Ali’s business quickly took off.
His gym community became some of his most loyal customers. “People would ask me what I ate to stay fit, and when I told them I eat my own desserts, they were hooked,” Ali says. “They figured if it worked for me, it would work for them too!”
Building a Community through Fitness and Food
Ali’s customer base grew organically, especially at his gym, where people would ask him about his diet. His products became a natural extension of his fitness lifestyle. “When people see that I eat my own gluten-free treats and I’m in shape, they think, ‘If you can eat this and look like that, then so can I!’” he jokes.
But Ali’s commitment to health is serious, and his customers trust him to deliver products that taste good while supporting their nutrition goals.
Ali is proud of his gluten-free offerings, but he acknowledges the skepticism people often have about gluten-free desserts. “There’s always doubt,” he admits. “But once people try them, they’re surprised by how good they taste.”
To build strong customer relationships, Ali adds a thoughtful touch to each order: handwritten note cards with details about the nutritional content of his desserts.
“I write out the macros for my customers because a lot of them track their calories,” he shares. “It makes them feel good knowing exactly what they’re eating.”
This personal approach not only builds customer trust but also aligns perfectly with Ali’s goal to show people that healthy eating can be both satisfying and transparent.
Cookin: A Platform That Gave Ali Confidence
Cookin didn’t just provide a platform for Ali to sell his food—it gave him a community. “I deal with imposter syndrome all the time,” he admits.
“I’m not a trained chef, and I’m surrounded by people who went to culinary school. But Cookin highlights my story, and that makes me feel like I belong.”
One of Ali’s proudest moments came when The Globe and Mail featured him—a complete surprise. “It was super random,” Ali recalls. “The journalist, Dan, found me through Instagram and said, ‘Hey, I’m writing an article about you.’ At first, I thought it was for a local paper!” After a brief phone call, Ali realized it was for The Globe and Mail. “I couldn’t believe it!”
Despite his media background, Ali was shocked by the impact. “We were told no one reads physical newspapers anymore, but that article gave me a big boost in sales and visibility. It shows how important it is to share your story—journalists are always looking and might just find you!”
Advice for Aspiring Chefs
Ali’s journey proves that you don’t need to be a professionally trained chef to build a successful food business.
“If you love cooking, you’re already halfway there,” he says. His advice to those considering starting their own food business? “Start small, be patient, and don’t rush it.”
Cookin’s flexibility allows chefs to build their businesses at their own pace, and that’s exactly what Ali loves about the platform. “I can still balance my full-time job, gym, and Cookin without feeling overwhelmed,” he explains. “It’s the perfect side hustle that I can grow at my own speed.”
Looking Ahead
What’s next for the Macro Cook? Ali dreams of one day opening his own café—with a gym attached. “I love the idea of people working out and then grabbing a healthy treat from my café,” he says excitedly. For now, though, Ali is focused on continuing to create new gluten-free, protein-rich desserts for his loyal customers.
“I’m not rushing anything,” he says with a smile. “I’m just enjoying the journey.”
Join the Cookin Community
Ali’s story proves you don’t need a culinary degree to succeed in the kitchen—just passion, persistence, and the right platform. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love for cooking into a business, Cookin can help you get started.
Try Cookin today with our 14-day free trial and see how easy it is to sell your food online—whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook like Ali.
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