Alex Guarnaschelli, a celebrated chef, grew up immersed in a world where culinary artistry knew no bounds. From soufflés to cheeseburgers, all dishes were appreciated with equal enthusiasm in her childhood home. As the daughter of a cookbook editor and a Chinese cooking aficionado, Alex's passion for food ignited early, shaping her destiny. Her journey is a testament to how humble ingredients, familiar preparations, excellent technique, and genuine care can converge to create unforgettable meals.
Alex Guarnaschelli brings her recipes to life with reminiscences of everything from stealing tomatoes from her aunt’s garden and her first bite of her mother’s pâté to being one of the few women in the kitchen of a renowned Parisian restaurant and serving celebrity clientele in her own successful New York City establishments.
Alex Guarnaschelli's Unique Approach to Cooking
Alex Guarnaschelli's culinary journey is not just about recipes; it's about the stories and experiences that have shaped her approach to food. Her upbringing, surrounded by diverse culinary influences, instilled in her a deep appreciation for both classic and innovative dishes. This unique perspective is what sets her apart and makes her a beloved figure in the culinary world.
Embracing Self-Acceptance: Valerie Bertinelli's Path to Healing
Valerie Bertinelli, a familiar face in the public eye for decades, has embarked on a journey of self-acceptance after years of grappling with body image and public scrutiny. From her early days on One Day at a Time to her current role as a beloved Food Network chef, Bertinelli has experienced the pressures of maintaining a certain appearance. Now, she's opening up about her weight loss, not as a pursuit of a smaller body, but as a path to healing, self-love, and liberation from diet culture.
Shifting Focus: From Weight Loss to Well-being
Bertinelli's approach to health transcends the numbers on a scale. As she stated in a now-deleted 2023 video post on Instagram, "Health is not the number you see on the scale." This perspective challenges the common notion that self-worth is tied to weight, a cycle that can lead to constant self-judgment, as explained by Aalia Al-Barwani, MD, DABFM, DABOM, a double board-certified physician in Family and Obesity Medicine.
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Mindful Eating and Emotional Awareness
Instead of adhering to strict diets, Bertinelli has embraced mindful eating and emotional awareness. She told The Washington Post in 2024, "It’s not the food that’s bad for us. It’s how, or why, we’re eating it." This reflects her belief that the problem isn't the food itself, but our mindset surrounding it. Dr. Al-Barwani adds that "Emotional eating is when we use food as our main way to cope with heavy feelings rather than to satisfy physical hunger."
Rejecting Food Labels
Bertinelli has also rejected the idea of labeling foods as 'good' versus 'bad'. Like many who have dieted for years, she once feared certain foods. But she’s since let go of that mindset. “I used to be afraid of apples and peanut butter because I was told they were bad for me,” she told Mashed. “It’s an apple, for Christ’s sake. It’s peanut butter. The same went for bananas. “Stop it. Eat the f-- banana,” she said, emphasizing its health benefits. She also rejects the idea of “cheat days,” telling USA Today last year, “We need to allow ourselves the pleasure of our lives. Jennifer Habashy, NMD, MD, Assistant Medical Director at Claya, explains that "Eliminating moral labels like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ food can be incredibly transformative."
Building Sustainable Habits
Bertinelli has learned that lasting health isn’t about crash diets, but about building habits that feel good. “I’ve learned patience,” she told People. “Stop with the ‘lose 10 pounds in a week’ mindset. Dr. Habashy emphasizes that "Setting realistic goals is important for long-term success because drastic changes are often short-lived and unsustainable."
Embracing Fitness and Sobriety
In addition to her diet, Bertinelli has developed a realistic fitness routine, with Pilates being one of her go-to workouts. She also posted a motivating treadmill video, sharing it has been 12 years since she ran the Boston Marathon. In early 2023, Bertinelli decided to give up drinking, initially for a month, and quickly noticed a positive difference in how she felt and in her body. Since then, she’s stopped drinking altogether. “The older you get, the less you really want to put that in your body,” she told People in September 2024.
Commentary on Weight-Loss Drugs
With the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Bertinelli has been asked if she’s tried them. While she hasn’t, she supports those who do. “If it helps, use it,” she told People in 2024. Bertinelli has long been candid about the pressure she’s felt to look a certain way. That same month, she posted a mirror selfie in her underwear.
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