{"id":30096,"date":"2013-01-31T12:01:16","date_gmt":"2013-01-31T18:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/artofmanliness.com\/?p=30096"},"modified":"2023-07-05T08:00:28","modified_gmt":"2023-07-05T13:00:28","slug":"a-chefs-guide-to-losing-weight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/health-fitness\/fitness\/a-chefs-guide-to-losing-weight\/","title":{"rendered":"A Chef\u2019s Guide to Losing Weight"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Vintage<\/a><\/p>\n

Last week, I was enjoying a successful post-fishing lunch at Puckett\u2019s Grocery<\/a> in Leipers Fork, TN. Perhaps I should clarify…I was indulging in Southern comfort food: fried catfish, mac n\u2019 cheese, mashed potatoes, turnip greens, drop biscuits, and an ice cold Yazoo Pale Ale<\/a>. Delicious \u2013 yes. Healthy \u2013 no way. Sure, maybe I went a bit overboard, but I was simply trying to help a friend celebrate. After all, he had just reeled in a 9-lb bass.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a known fact that Southerners enjoy our traditions. From afternoons spent fishing, to a day on the farm, or to an evening bonfire sipping moonshine with friends \u2013 Southern culture is alive and proud.<\/p>\n

Yet, whenever I discuss my love of Southern food to strangers (anyone not from the South!), I typically get the following response: \u201cSouthern food is so unhealthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sure, they\u2019ve got a point. We are pretty liberal with our use of butter, cheese, cream, salt, and oils \u2013 or as I like to say \u2013 adding a little \u2018love\u2019 to our meals.<\/p>\n

But, not all Southern food is \u201cbad.\u201d In fact, we pioneered the organic, home-grown movement before it became fashionable among foodies. My 102-year-old grandmother would have laughed at words and phrases like \u201csustainably raised,\u201d \u201cfarm-to-plate,\u201d or \u201clocavore.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that said, I do acknowledge my indulgent Southern meal is not something one should eat every day. In fact, I try to limit such meals to special occasions.<\/p>\n

As a food and lifestyle writer, I hold myself accountable for providing wholesome, health-conscious meal ideas and recipes to my readers. That being said, I\u2019ll be the first to admit that I\u2019m no dietician, medical doctor, or licensed trainer. However, I do know what works when it comes to eating healthy and losing weight \u2013 partially from personal experience, and partially from speaking with others.<\/p>\n

Playing sports throughout my life allowed me to always enjoy a high level of physical fitness. That was, of course, until college came along. I blame most of my weight gain on my penchant for drinking Sierra Nevada Pale Ale \u2013 not to mention my weekly trips to Weaver D\u2019s<\/a> in Athens, Georgia. Looking back, I\u2019m embarrassed that I let myself gain so much weight.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, by reincorporating exercise and healthy eating into my lifestyle, I was able to get back into fighting weight in less than a year, eventually getting to the point where I now enjoy competing regularly in marathons.<\/p>\n

After witnessing my results, friends of mine would ask, \u201cHow did you do it?\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s not rocket science,\u201d I would tell them. \u201cIt all boils down (pun intended) to exercising and eating the right kinds of foods \u2013 and all in moderation.\u201d<\/p>\n

I always knew I could put my plan into a simple format for others to use. Thus, I began sketching out the following ideas for a book proposal last year. Several friends kept asking for the information and have since been successful in dropping 30, 40, and even 50 pounds to reach the weight of their dreams.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s the moral of my story?<\/p>\n

You can have your fried chicken and eat it too! Just keep in mind that moderation is the key if you are trying to lose weight or maintain your current figure, not to mention vigorous exercise several times a week.<\/p>\n

The following guidelines are a mere foundation for simple, healthy living. Of course, I\u2019ve supplied some of my favorite recipes to help you reach your goals. For those of you looking to renew that New Year\u2019s resolution \u2013 here\u2019s your chance. Become your best!<\/p>\n

The NO, LOW, GO Diet<\/span><\/h3>\n

Philosophy: Don\u2019t starve your body; eat the right kinds of foods to keep your metabolism constantly working in your favor. Don\u2019t consume more than you burn. Don\u2019t be afraid to indulge every so often. Your success is determined by YOU.<\/p>\n

NO<\/h3>\n

Avoid these foods whenever possible, especially when trying to lose weight:<\/p>\n