Chef's Changes

chef1

chef1

New member
Hello folks,

My name is Solon. I am a chef, classically trained at a French culinary school. Currently, I work at a university where I am the catering chef (Currently the campus is worth 6million a year in business.), and I am the head chef in charge of over 2000 meals a day for the dorm students. The position, needless to say, leads to ridiculous amounts of work hours and stress; both of which lead me to eating.

Over the years; being a chef as well as being an already big guy (naturally broad shoulders etc)...my weight has gotten out of control. Between a very serious knee injury in high school, and being around food all day, and being the guy that everyone says "taste this chef...what do you think," I have reached the 360 mark.

I have always known what is good and bad for me, but making myself do it was a far different subject. The French (who I take much of my culinary background from) are known for a few things....butter....cheese...wine...and cream. Hard to make a safe diet with those as your magic makers. I have talked myself out of doing this so many times, and I have come to a conclusion...

It is time I do something about it.

I am currently exercising 6 times a week as such:

Monday - Arms / shoulders and 30 mins elliptical / bike.
Tuesday - Legs and 30 mins elliptical / bike.
Wednesday - Core (back, abs, etc) 30 mins elliptical / bike.
Thursday - Arms / shoulders and 30 mins elliptical / bike.
Friday - Legs and 30 mins elliptical / bike.
Saturday - Core (back, abs, etc) 30 mins elliptical / bike.

After each routine I am spending somewhere in the realm of 30 minutes stretching, breathing, and generally slowing down the heart.

I am taking protein supplements to help build muscle, as well as being a key part of my breakfast. **yay for fruit, protein, non-fat yogurt smoothies**

Lunch and dinner vary, but celery, broccoli, baked potatoes, and chicken breasts are constant lead actors in the both of them, as well as another round of protein after workouts. Snacks are pretty much consisting of home made trail mix, and turkey lettuce wraps (lettuce instead of a tortilla).

I have played a lot of sports in my day, so weight lifting is nothing new to me, nor is discipline. Once I make myself start working out again (which I have been doing for three weeks now,) I get addicted to it, and I feel like I HAVE to be there at least once a day. So much so that on my day of rest from the gym; I feel like I am being lazy. Making myself eat the right foods, however, has never fallen into that discipline I spoke of before...so that will be the challenge I face the most.

Anyway, if for no other reason than to hold myself accountable. This is my diary, and it begins tonight.

Chef Soli
 
Last edited:
welcome to the site :)

you might want to take a look at some ofthe stickied threads in the weight loss thru exercise section.... it might give you some additional ideas..

much success on your journey...

and I'm so jealous of your culinary background -I'm a totally frustrated chef-- it's what I wanted to do after high school... and it caused a lot of fights with the guidance department... :D someday Iwill go to cooking school :D
 
Good Morning Chef,

first off, I just wanted to welcome you to the WLF. Also, kudos to you for starting a journal. It took me a few weeks to do so, because I was battling my own inner demons with being honest about what I was eating. hehe Anyways, I hope you find the support you're looking for and do realize we're all in it for the same reason: to become healthy and fit. Don't be afraid to ask questions, browse other journals for eating/ exercise tips, etc. Wishing you all the best with your journey. I'll drop in from time to time. :D

-Sheryl

PS I eat whole wheat tortillas with my turkey wraps, because it's much needed fiber and it helps to UP my caloric intake when weight training. :) WOOT! Carbs are your friends when working out hard. hehee
 
Hey welcome-You seem to be on a good path already. I can totally see how being a chef can contribute to weight gain-I do most of the cooking and I love cooking german food and like the french there are lot of rich sauces made with cream wine and cheese-UGH
I have started cooking while chewing gum it stops me from eating as I cook.I didnt know the universities actually had real chefs-everyone seems to always complain about the food-LOL but i guess 18 year olds sometimes do not know whats good or not-LOL
 
nice to meet you Chef! My life do-over would be go to culinary school and to be a famous chef!

Anyway - good luck with your weight loss! And please share some good recipes or coooking tips when you get the chance ;)
 
Morning ladies,

Lol I go to bed, and get back and already I am greeted very warmly.

I love being a chef, but as of late, I have been considering doing other things with my life. I have this driving urge to help people, and I feel as if I am not doing enough of it in the current career.

I have applied to Nursing school, and I am looking forward to it very much. I just have always wanted a job where I help people, and where I can make a difference in peoples lives....so this is my chance, I hope!

Some other information about me, that I didn't list before:
I am 25 years old, 6'0, and male. I have 2 people that I work out with daily, and we make sure each other stay on track.

If any of you see things that I am doing, that should be changed...feel free to say something.

Today, I have a bbq for the staff where I work. My new catering coordinator has decided that we need to make it gourmet. As such this is the menu:

Asian turkey burger with fresh pickled cucumbers,
a California burger with tomato, avocado, and sweet onion,
a Mediterranean lamb and beef burger with kalamata olives and feta cheese,
"The All American Hot Dog"
Black bean and corn salad with a fresh cilantro lime vinaigrette,
Carribean sweet potato and pineapple salad,
and a pesto grilled vegetable salad

Anyway, I have my work cut out for the day needless to say. I will talk to you all soon, have a great day!

Chef Soli
 
I understand what you mean about wanting to help people. I work for Child Protective Services and it is a very rewarding job... most of the time.

That California Burger sounds DELICIOUS!!!!!!

Good luck with the nursing school :) I took one semester of nursing and new right then that it wasnt for me. Maybe cause the first semester is range of motion, vitals, baths, catheters.... yuck!!!

Do you get a break with tution due to working for the University? That would be a hug bonus!!
 
heidilw
Yes, if I stay working full-time in the job I am in, I can take up to a certain # of credits per semester for only 5 dollars each...so that is a HUGE bonus. Unfortunately, the job that I am doing requires so much of my time, that there is no possibility of doing both. Therefore, I am planning on taking financial aid and loans to take care of the tuition etc.

rimay2k
I work for a company called Sodexho. It is the biggest international food service company when it comes to corporate food programs, hospitals, universities, and even prisons. There are bigger in the states, but as far as world volume / numbers are concerned...we are the highest I believe.

Today was rough on me... My leg workout days always are. I am a very strong-legged person, and doing the weight necessary to make change when lifting points out the other muscles that are lacking the same level of strength.

I am leg pressing near 600lbs at the moment, and my lower back hates keeping up with that. My form is good, and I have worked up to the weight, but I need to do something to strengthen my back more.

I am going to start trying to get a serious count on the food I eat. I am eating very healthy foods, but I am not sure if I am eating enough foods.

Today looked like this
Protein shake (banana, protein powder, granola, yogurt, milk)
Apple
2 small 6" fish tacos (baked cod no breading) w/ lime and cabbage (I even ate the tortillas...just for you MsGhettoBooty) and like 8 celery sticks.
1 pear
Protein shake before workout (just the basic one this time)
a Lamb and beef burger with feta cheese and kalamata olive tapenade.
Protein shake before workout
Also, somewhere in the realm of 2 gallons of water...which I do daily.

Any thoughts?

Until next time,

Chef Soli
 
have you considered squats in place of or in addition to your leg press, the squat is a compound exercise and will work more muscles (including your back) than the leg press. On my leg day i squat first and then leg press (750lb)
 
My leg days are consisting of leg press, leg extension, leg curl, squat (1st always), calf raises, and a couple inner and outer thigh machines....

Leg press just seems to be the one that seriously impacts my back.

I appreciate the suggestions...I may have to back off on the leg weight until the rest catches up.
 
chef said:
I have applied to Nursing school, and I am looking forward to it very much. I just have always wanted a job where I help people, and where I can make a difference in peoples lives....so this is my chance, I hope!

Some other information about me, that I didn't list before:
I am 25 years old, 6'0, and male. I have 2 people that I work out with daily, and we make sure each other stay on track.

If any of you see things that I am doing, that should be changed...feel free to say something.

Today, I have a bbq for the staff where I work. My new catering coordinator has decided that we need to make it gourmet. As such this is the menu:

Asian turkey burger with fresh pickled cucumbers,
a California burger with tomato, avocado, and sweet onion,
a Mediterranean lamb and beef burger with kalamata olives and feta cheese,
"The All American Hot Dog"
Black bean and corn salad with a fresh cilantro lime vinaigrette,
Carribean sweet potato and pineapple salad,
and a pesto grilled vegetable salad
Click to expand...

Wow... from a Chef to a nurse? You seem to be dedicated and that's amazing, Chef. :D So after you reach your goal... can I later call you "Hottie Nurse?" hahaaa! :D

chef said:
Today, I have a bbq for the staff where I work. My new catering coordinator has decided that we need to make it gourmet. As such this is the menu:

Asian turkey burger with fresh pickled cucumbers,
a California burger with tomato, avocado, and sweet onion,
a Mediterranean lamb and beef burger with kalamata olives and feta cheese,
"The All American Hot Dog"
Black bean and corn salad with a fresh cilantro lime vinaigrette,
Carribean sweet potato and pineapple salad,
and a pesto grilled vegetable salad
Click to expand...

Ummm can I snag you for a few weekends? Damn that sounds delicious... hahaa Also, congrats with losing 3 lbs! Woot!! Keep up the good work, Chef!

-Sheryl
 
Hey y'all,

I made a big decision today...

I have decided to cut two days out of my lifting days out. Instead of lifting I am just going to go for a walk, or a relaxed bike ride and let the body heal. I have been listening to people, asking questions, and researching..and it seems like I am well on my way to over-training myself.

I am going to bump up to around 3300-3500 calories a day (WAY high on protein), and see what happens...

Today was a good day...I am getting into that phase where I am just starting to notice muscles popping out here and there. My lats decided they would come out to play all of a sudden...and when I put my arms up to stretch, they jump up to say hello. My arms have noticeably changed, and my legs seem bigger yet smaller at the same time.

I have not lost more weight, but either I am dreaming, or things are tightening slowly but surely.

Tonight's dinner at school was fajitas...and I must say...thank GOD for non-fat sour cream, whole wheat tortillas, and fresh limes!

Anyway, until next time.

Solon
 
chef said:
Currently, I work at a university where I am the catering chef (2.6 million a year), and I am the head chef in charge of over 2000 meals a day for the dorm students.
Click to expand...

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

Welcome aboard!!! Sounds like you are gettin it together and figuring out what is working:)
 
Morning Solon,

just checking up on you this morning. As for your decision, do what makes you comfortable and what will keep you going. I think going for walks is a wonderful idea. :)

-Sheryl
 
Howdy chef,
Welcome and Gl to ya....Wow I saw Fajitas my fave
and I make them at home chicken fajitas shredded lettuce reduced fat sour and cheese yummmmm.........Hope you have a fantastic day Tammy
 
Hey Solon,

It looks like your making some amazing changes in your life ... going back to school and getting healthy:)

The food your making sounds sooo yummy... the food they tried to feed us at my school was just plain gross.

~Jenna
 
Honestly mgb... I would rather work out hard 7 days a week and just not stop...

However, I think I am doing to much to actually benefit my body at the moment. It is not actually keeping up with healing as much as it should be. I am never sore when it's time to lift the same muscle again...but sore and rebuilding don't always go together, as we know.

Off to cook for the masses

Solon
 
Hey y'all,

Today was rough...I have a buddy that is about the same weight as me...and has been lifting with me for a month... Today he told me to go alone because he just isn't into this anymore. "It's too much work for not enough gain, and I am sick of going and working my ass off for no apparent reason."

He has not lost gained muscle at the rate I have just started to, and I am afraid he is trying to compare the two of us...the difference is, he was NEVER an athlete, and I used to play sports religiously including lifting...so yeah. Later, I watched him walk to his table with a double cheeseburger and an entire bowl of fries. We'll see...maybe it's just a temporary issue.

Anyway, I hit 30 mins elliptical today, and did bench, incline, military, curls, and rows...feeling sore but it's that VERY good sore.

Until next time,

Soli
 
Quick pre-workout up date:

My friend who had the loss of faith yesterday, felt so shitty after he ate that stuff, that he's back on the band wagon...says his body doesn't like him eating like that anymore... I am glad he's back.

Off to tear some muscles

Solon
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top