Editor’s Note: 11 Questions with … is a regular series profiling some of our favorite bloggers, athletes, celebrities and real moms and dads. Find other installments here.
Eddie Jackson, The Next Food Network Star Season 11 Winner, has created the perfect combination of two of his greatest passions: food and fitness! He retired from the NFL and is now a food truck owner (Caribbean Grill), private chef and personal trainer, and is dedicated to making healthy food taste absolutely delicious. Eddie joined the Food Network family in 2015 after besting 11 of his fellow finalists on Food Network Star. In 2016, Eddie joined Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in mentoring eliminated Star hopefuls through a six-week competition on Star Salvation. He’s the host of Eddie Jackson’s Game-Day Playbook and Eddie Jackson’s Fitness Playbook on FoodNetwork.com.
1. If you were stranded on a deserted island, and only one vegetable grew on that island, what vegetable would you want it to be? One? That’s so hard! But I’d have to say collard greens. They’re sturdy, versatile and so good for you. I use them in soups and sautés, and as sandwich wraps.
2. What is your healthiest habit? I do some form of exercise every morning as soon as I wake up, whether that’s push-ups or hitting the gym. It’s so important to get your body moving within an hour of getting out of bed.
3. What is your go-to nutritious breakfast? Oatmeal topped with roasted sweet potatoes.
4. What are the three items that are always in your fridge/pantry? Fruit, water and protein powder.
5. What is your favorite workout? Interval training. You can work nearly every muscle in your body in less than an hour.
6. Who is your fitness hero? My dad. He was my first trainer when I started playing sports, and he still works as a personal trainer today.
7. How do you take your water — sparkling, flat, over ice? I’ve got a two-part answer: flat — no ice — during the day, and then sparkling water with dinner.
8. What is your guilty pleasure? French fries! No contest.
9. What is your healthy-eating philosophy? Know what, when and how to eat.
10. What is your go-to nutritious family dinner dish? Grilled halibut or cod and mixed vegetables.
11. What is the best health advice you’ve ever received? Always practice moderation. Growing up in the South, we always piled our plates high with food. But as I got older and family members developed health issues, I learned the importance of healthy portions.
