Reinventing Chef Rich

02/15/2025

Good memories can be some of the most compelling reasons we eat certain foods.

Some foods bring back such good memories that we might have a hard time saying no.

This is one of those foods for me.

I changed up just a few things to make it more calorie-conscious without changing the flavor whatsoever.

Campfire Beans are the bomb—comfort food with a lighter twist.

What food brings back the best memories for you?

🔗 Follow me for more ways to enjoy nostalgic foods in a healthier way!

02/11/2025

There’s nothing more comforting than your favorite childhood meals.

Sometimes we just need to recreate them to fit our calorie budgets now that we’ve grown
older,
taller,
wiser…
and maybe a little wider.

Tuna Noodle Casserole (or “Tuna Wiggle” as we called it) was—and still is—one of my top 5 meals.

But this recreation?
OMG. It takes it to a whole other level. 🤯

Absolutely delicious.

Don’t give up what you love—just find ways to make it fit.💡 Want more recipes like this?

Hit that follow button and let’s get cooking!

12/03/2024

10/17/2024

At 600 pounds, my health was slipping away, and I knew it was time to act. It wasn’t just about dropping weight—it was about reclaiming my life.

The process was anything but smooth, filled with setbacks and small victories. But as I kept moving forward, I discovered something surprising: it wasn’t just my body changing—my whole world began to shift.

I reworked my favorite meals, making them part of my new reality. I leaned into helping others, teaching them how to approach food and life differently. And with every step forward, I built something I hadn’t felt in years—self-belief.

Losing the weight gave me more than a smaller frame. It gave me freedom—freedom to move, to show up, and to live fully. It gave me pride, peace of mind, and a sense of belonging I hadn’t known in a long time.

If you're ready to rediscover yourself and feel good in your own skin again, I’ve been where you are—and I’m here to help.

10/04/2024

Do you see anyone you know in this screen shot?

Not gonna lie, really really out of my comfort zone on this next endeavor.

10/02/2024

“Alright y’all, buckle up—I’m on a mission to crack the code of social media. Spoiler alert: it’s not just cat videos and dance challenges (though those are fun too 😏). I’ll be serving up tasty tips, weight loss hacks, and a dash of humor, all while trying to grow this thing! Stay tuned or stay hungry, your call. 🍽💪

”.

09/24/2024

https://www.facebook.com/stories/122095783568072881/UzpfSVNDOjgyNjAxNDg5MjkzOTMyNQ==/?view_single=1

09/23/2024

TikTok - trends start here. On a device or on the web, viewers can watch and discover millions of personalized short videos. Download the app to get started.

07/30/2024

Navigating Compliments and Attention After Weight Loss Surgery

Losing weight is often a journey filled with numerous challenges, both physical and emotional. For those who have spent years, or even most of their lives, trying to remain unnoticed due to their size, the sudden influx of attention following significant weight loss can be overwhelming. Here’s how to navigate this new landscape of compliments and attention after weight loss surgery.

Living in the Shadows
When I weighed over 600 pounds, I wouldn't dream of arriving at an event on time. I made a habit of arriving 30 minutes early—not because I wanted to be punctual, but because I needed to be there before anyone else. I wanted to be seated and hidden behind a table before others showed up. Finding a chair that could support my weight was crucial, and if it had arms, I’d have to squeeze in, always sitting on the outside edge to avoid encroaching on anyone else's space.

Once seated, I rarely got up. Bathroom breaks were out of the question. If there was a buffet, I wouldn’t eat, as standing up and moving around in front of others was too daunting.

Camouflage and Concealment
We do anything we can to blend in—wearing dark colors, avoiding patterns, and buying multiples of the same outfit when we find something that fits. The idea of standing out was terrifying. Group activities were unthinkable, and dancing was out of the question. Coordination was difficult, and riding a bike was almost impossible due to the imbalance caused by my weight.

The Transformation
Imagine being a normal-weight young person at 180 pounds, then strapping four 50-pound bags of potatoes to your waist. Try walking or cycling. It’s incredibly challenging. The only thing that came easier was swimming, as my body floated like a giant balloon.

Now, imagine the weight coming off. Your body feels different, but your mind hasn't quite caught up yet. People notice and comment, asking how you did it, wanting to know your before and after weights. They often don’t believe your original weight. Even if you're still 50-75 pounds overweight, you start hearing that you don’t need to lose any more. This can be confusing and frustrating because your body looks so different that others can’t comprehend the change, and neither can you.

Handling New Attention
You start getting noticed by others, including people who previously ignored you. They engage with you now, often unaware of their previous indifference. But you remember. Like an elephant, a person who has been significantly overweight never forgets. We remember conversations, people, and experiences vividly, especially the hurtful ones. This is because we've spent our lives on the defensive, always listening for the whispers and stares.

The mind's adjustment to weight loss is slow. The mental image of the old you is deeply ingrained, often more so than the new one. Taking pictures frequently can help your mind see the changes and adjust.

Facing the Spotlight
Others who see you occasionally will notice significant differences, leading to comments and questions that can be uncomfortable. You're used to being in the shadows, and suddenly you're in the spotlight.

When I started this journey, the idea of making videos, taking pictures, or speaking to others was terrifying. Yet, I had to push through. In a few weeks, I'll be heading to Chicago with Tonya Spanglo to speak about our cookbook at a literary convention. A year ago, this would have made me sick with anxiety. Today, it still makes me nervous, but I’m going. Stepping out and putting yourself out there gets easier with practice.

Embracing the New You
Negotiating the attention that comes after weight loss is daunting but manageable. I still arrive early for events, but I can relax more and socialize once there. Talking to friends, acquaintances, and strangers is not as hard but still not easy. It may never be. Whether the attention is in your job, social life, or relationships, it will change. It will be strange, but you can handle it. Practice, let your mind catch up with your body, and grow into your new self.

06/09/2024

In shadows cast by moonlit nights,
For ten long years, I found my plight.
No bed embraced my weary frame,
A secret kept, without a name.

Once I tried to lay me down,
But sleep would flee, replaced by frown.
A crushing weight, a body stuck,
Rolling over brought no luck.

A recliner cradled my endless dreams,
Through nights of whispers, silent screams.
The weight I shed, a burden lost,
Yet still, no bed could pay the cost.

A roomless life, a nomad's flight,
No bedroom graced my restless nights.
Yet tonight, a soft and gentle call,
A pillow waits, a bed, the thrall.

Toes wiggling 'neath covers warm,
In my bed, safe from storm.
A decade's span, now cast away,
The little things, a bright new day.

06/07/2024

I wanted to take a moment to open up about the origins of my Doodlebug series and how it intersects with the broader narrative of my life.

Doodlebug isn't just a collection of stories; it's a tapestry woven from the threads of my experiences, both triumphs, and trials. From an early age, I grappled with challenges that seemed insurmountable—battling eating disorders, navigating childhood obesity, and wrestling with the complexities of family dynamics.

What struck me most profoundly, however, was the realization of how deeply children are impacted by the world around them. From the words spoken in hushed tones to the actions witnessed behind closed doors, the impressions formed in youth can echo throughout a lifetime, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and self-perceptions in ways we may not fully comprehend.

Yet, within the shadows of adversity, there exists a flicker of resilience—a glimmer of hope that refuses to be extinguished. Doodlebug is a testament to that resilience, a chronicle of my journey from the depths of despair to the summit of self-discovery.

But perhaps the most profound revelation gleaned from this journey is the transformative power of mindset. It's a recognition that we hold within us the agency to redefine our narratives, to transcend the limitations imposed by circumstance, and to chart a course toward healing and wholeness.

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you, to invite you into the raw, unfiltered spaces of my life, and to offer a glimpse into the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery. May my experiences serve as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own tumultuous seas, a reminder that even in the darkest of nights, the dawn of possibility awaits.