Hillary Clinton, a prominent figure in American politics, has often been under public scrutiny, not only for her political endeavors but also for her health and fitness. As a presidential candidate, she faced criticism regarding her "strength or stamina" to lead the country. In response, Clinton adopted a healthier lifestyle, incorporating brisk walks, yoga, and a surprising secret weapon: raw hot peppers. This article delves into the various aspects of Hillary Clinton's weight loss journey, exploring her dietary choices, fitness routines, and the role of spicy foods in her overall health strategy.
The Pursuit of a Fit Life
Since launching her 2016 presidential bid in April, Hillary Clinton has been committed to a diet and fitness regimen. The Democratic front-runner sends her campaign team to scout out secluded tracks for brisk walks and hotel rooms with space for yoga. This proactive approach aimed to prevent the weight gain that often accompanies the demanding campaign trail, characterized by near-sleepless nights and constant snacking temptations.
The Spicy Secret: Raw Hot Peppers
According to several sources, Hillary Clinton has a secret weapon for weight-loss: raw hot peppers. During her 2008 campaign, raw jalapeños were a constant presence. Jamie Smith, a 2008 campaign aide, recalled that "there was not a day or a minute that went by that we didn’t have a full plate of raw jalapeños." At a farm stand in Iowa, Clinton detailed scientific research on the health effects of spicy food, telling a cashier that she finds eating raw jalapenos "so refreshing."
The Science Behind Capsaicin
Researchers from the University of Wyoming discovered that capsaicin, the main ingredient in chili peppers, stimulates metabolism without requiring calorie restriction. This substance not only prevents general weight gain but can also serve as a fat-burner. Capsaicin has the ability to turn on thermogenesis in the body, and researchers believe it could be the key to managing obesity.
Dietary Choices and Nutritional Philosophies
While Hillary Clinton doesn't adhere to a specific diet plan like her "vegan-ish" husband, Bill Clinton, or her gluten-free daughter, aides say she follows a general rule: "if it looks bad for you, it's probably bad for you." Clinton has been candid about the struggles of eating right during her time in public life and has over the decades met with a series of nutrition gurus.
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Encounters with Nutrition Experts
In August, Hillary Clinton met with diet guru Dr. Mark Hyman, who is credited with turning around Bill Clinton’s health, as she prepared for a 2016 presidential run. She was spotted dining with Hyman at the West Street Grill in Litchfield, Conn., for a three-hour dinner. Hyman runs the Ultra Wellness Center in Lenox, Mass., which helps promote healthy weight and metabolism. He also wrote the book "The Blood Sugar Solution," which Bill Clinton endorsed after losing 24 pounds in less than two years on a vegan diet.
Changes in the White House Kitchen
As First Lady in the 1990s, Hillary Clinton invited Dean Ornish into the White House to lighten up the presidential menu, aligning with the rising trend of low-fat diets. Eventually, Clinton fired chef Pierre Chambrin, known for his butter-laden French fare, and hired Walter Scheib, who specialised in lower-fat food and would agree to provide meal-by-meal calorie counts. Many of their meals centered on fish and vegetables.
A Balanced Approach to Food
When Hillary Clinton's staff laid out a spread of pulled pork and beans from a cafe in Arkansas, she ate a single tomato slice. Dining with supporters in Washington earlier this month at Etto, an Italian restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas, Clinton opted for a cauliflower salad. Despite these healthy choices, she would occasionally indulge, snacking on fried chicken and Mexican food when campaigning for fellow Democrats during the 2014 elections.
The Campaign Trail Diet: Challenges and Strategies
The campaign trail poses unique challenges to maintaining a healthy diet. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, a Clinton backer, admitted to gaining 35 pounds during his eight-month campaign for president in 2004. All candidates have their tricks for staying fit while hustling for votes. President Barack Obama often complained about the fried food that is a staple of campaign stops and is a regular at the gym, even when traveling. Sen. Rand Paul, a current Republican candidate, avoids fries.
Clinton's Candid Reflections on Food and Comfort
In her book “What Happened,” Clinton reflects on the role of food as medicine, or more accurately, as balm and salve. Cooking is a stress reliever for her, and she finds the repetitive processes of chopping, stirring, and following a recipe soothing. Clinton also enjoys mac and cheese with grated nutmeg and cayenne pepper and indulging in Indian food. After giving testimony in the Benghazi probe in 2015, Clinton and her staff ate a mammoth curry feast.
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Indulgences and Comfort Foods
"There are also plenty of treats outlined in “What Happened.” Things like ice cream bars and Oreos, chocolate cake with turquoise frosting, pork chops on a stick, burgers and fries, like the ones George W. Bush offers to cook Clinton in the aftermath of the inauguration."
Hot Sauce Obsession
Hot sauce is Clinton’s not-so-secret vice. Her favorite brand is Ninja Squirrel Sriracha. When she was First Lady, the White House kitchen was stocked with more than 100 different hot sauces.
Debunking Weight Loss Myths
The constant stream of stories about "weight loss secrets" is appealing because people want a simple solution. However, the truth is that there’s no secret. Dietary restriction can produce short-term weight loss, but any more than 5-10% is almost always short-lived. Lisa Lerer does a good job with a focus on preventing weight gain and a healthy respect for balanced nutrition.
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