‘Lifestyle Makeover’: White House Chefs Credit Michelle Obama for Their Weight Loss
- Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:43am by
Billy Hallowell
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White House chefs, from left, Susie Morrison, executive chef Chriseta Comerford and Adam Collick, taste the salads they prepared in the kitchen of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — Surrounded all day and most nights by delicious cakes, cookies, pies and more, Susie Morrison gave in to temptation too often during long hours at work in the White House pastry kitchen.
But no more.
Never a runner, the assistant pastry chef has finished her first 5K run. When the weather cooperates, she pedals her bicycle 26 miles roundtrip to work. She’s eating more vegetables, limiting coffee and drinking up to a gallon of water every day – dietary changes that Morrison says helped her drop 30 pounds from her 5-foot-5 frame in about 18 months.
One person gets most of the credit for Morrison’s lifestyle makeover: Michelle Obama.
While the first lady’s campaign to lower childhood obesity rates will need time to produce results, if ever, the White House is one place where her message about eating balanced meals and getting more exercise is not only resonating, but showing results, too.
“She is a great inspiration for me to focus every day to try harder, and I have,” Morrison said.
Some of Morrison’s colleagues are also taking the message to heart – and the proof is in their waistlines. Four members of the White House residence staff – Morrison, two chef colleagues and an assistant curator – have lost more than 110 pounds since July 2010. They have kept the weight off so far.
Executive chef Cristeta Comerford, now 15 pounds lighter, said Mrs. Obama’s campaign helped the group recognize their poor eating habits.
Instead of the cookie she reached for daily, Morrison, 44, said she now snacks on an apple or a handful of grapes.
Comerford often lined up a cup of coffee, a can of soda and a can of Red Bull and sipped from all three during the day.
Assistant chef Adam Collick cut out hundreds of calories by eliminating a daily coffee fix – three 20-ounce cups topped with whipped cream drizzled with chocolate syrup. He and Comerford have replaced their caffeinated drinks mostly with calorie-free water. They still drink coffee, but stop at two cups a day.
Collick also has cut down on mindless eating and is limiting dessert to a few times a week, instead of with every meal. Those changes and about an hour of exercise most days have helped the 46-year-old lose 30 pounds. He said consistency is important for good results.
“Once you see the changes in your body and the way you feel, it’s going to make you want to keep doing it,” said Collick, who became a de facto coach to colleagues battling the bulge. The 25-year veteran of the White House kitchen helped motivate them to stick with their programs or get back on track after they’d overdone it a little.
Overdoing it is easy as a chef in a place where there are few food-free functions – ranging from receptions and dinners for hundreds of visitors to lunch for President Barack Obama and a guest in his private dining room off the Oval Office. One occupational hazard for the chefs is having to taste the food during all stages of preparation to check the flavorings, a seemingly simple task that when performed again and again every day can jeopardize anyone’s well-intentioned efforts to eat right.
If not careful, Collick said, the chefs could easily eat an entire meal just by tasting their way through the work day.
“We‘re preparing really good food so it’s really very easy to just snack all the time,” added Comerford.
Comerford, 47, said she wanted more stamina to keep up with her 10-year-old daughter, a competitive gymnast, and to set an example with her smart food choices. The family sticks to a balanced diet of whole grains, low-fat proteins and plenty of vegetables but will loosen up enough on weekends to enjoy a hamburger or equally indulgent meal.
That’s the basic advice Mrs. Obama dispenses – that losing weight doesn’t have to mean deprivation. The first lady has said french fries are her favorite food and she also has been taken to task from time to time after being spotted at burger joints around town.
Assistant curator Lydia Tederick said she lost more than 35 pounds after signing up for Weight Watchers and joining a gym with her husband. They work out at least three times a week, and Tederick said she spends most Saturday mornings at the farmer’s market stocking up on fresh fruit and vegetables.
Her initial goal was just to lose weight so she could fit into her clothing better.
“But now my goal is to maintain my weight, to tone up, be more fit, and I would love to have arms that look as fabulous as Mrs. Obama’s,” Tederick said.
Jim White, a spokesman for the American Dietetic Association, applauded the employees. He said studies have shown that having a partner in weight loss aids the process.
“Losing weight is not the easiest thing to do or we wouldn’t have overweight [people] in this country,” said White, a registered dietitian and personal trainer in Virginia Beach, Va.
Morrison, who has worked in the pastry kitchen since 1995, said she gained weight after giving up exercise because of injuries and not paying attention to her diet. After deciding it was time to refocus on her fitness, Morrison said she would envision herself working out and getting healthier and stronger.
“I persevered and it’s nice to come to this point and have happy results,” she said.
Perseverance will be important for Morrison in the days ahead. White House chefs will soon begin preparing for a holiday season that, despite Mrs. Obama’s focus on eating healthier, still serves up traditional, calorie-laden fare at dozens of parties and receptions that jam the calendar between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Comments (96)
bulldog_1990
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:59amYou would think from the article that Susie Morrison was sure to die if not for Michelle Obama. Really Susie? Thank goodness the other guy did not win.
Report Post »imreddog
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:49amThe Chef would love to have arms like Moochele… MAJOR SUCK UP! Well, that’s one way to keep a job. I would guess that possum and grits with watermellon for desert aren’t on the menu.
Report Post »Rightsofman
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 2:45pmHow nice of them to suck up to their boss.
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 3:40pmIf we focus on Maochelle’s arms we might not notice the cameras always cut off her “brick house” butt.
Report Post »she needs to get rid of her James Brown haircut.
KickinBack
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 5:01pmAnybody else notice the three chefs in the pic…White, Asian, Black. How diverse! I might have to complain as I see no wheelchair-bound chef in the pic. Discrimination!
Report Post »mgj48
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 6:15pmIt doesnt appear the her highness has lost any weight tht I can tell
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:07pm“I would love to have arms that look as fabulous as Mrs. Obama’s.”
And an ass as wide ass a Mack truck, just like hers… PA… lease this woman is a HIPOcrite. She tell us how to eat while she eats 3lb lobsters smothered in finger licking butter, eats fried chicken, deep fried fat cakes (whatever the hell those are) indulges in french fries, and eats more than any other tv guest ever on the cooking show. Michell my Belle is nothing more that Marie Antoinette, and the let them eat cake philosophy. Her ass ass is as wide as a truck, shown in numerous pics next to other first ladies, she devours what she tells us not to eat, and she is the size of a hippo. Got to he!!! you commie rat pinko biatch. You are an anti American, commie, rat bastard. I would say more but I dont need the secret service showing up at my door. I wish no harm, only that she keeps her fat ass shut. Do what you want to do, let me do what I want to do… and my money, my hard work, doesnt belong to the state. It is mine, for what I see fit.
Report Post »Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
Posted on November 2, 2011 at 12:55amYou christians are sad and pathetic and full of hate. That’s why no one wants to be one of you.
Have fun not winning next year.
Report Post »gmoneytx
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:54amYou know where all that weight went right? On Moochelle’s fat a$$!
Can I have some cottage cheese with a side of “thighs” EEEWWWW! I just threw up a little!
Report Post »MOLLYPITCHER
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:08amGAG!
Report Post »That made me laugh and gag at the same time!
Rajabear1
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:38amyes, because nice arms makes the person. What the he-l-l?!?! The woman is a full blown Marxist and she‘s doing her darn best to crush this country with her seemingly benign food control crap that works hand in hand with the left’s ‘health care’ that will control at least 50% of our lives. How in the world does a first lady (and I use the term loosely) get to write bill and have them passed in her name? How many can pressure the food industries of all factions to change their business models through intimidation? Good Lord, her freakin ARMS???? No wonder this country elected this Marxist into office. ‘well I don’t like his policies, but he seems really hip a cool and his wife has nice arms.’ Geez, what don’t people get? Their policies ARE who they are! All the rest is window dressing, a con.
Report Post »Maji
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 1:10pmI think the actual term for it is “Bulimia”!!!
She makes me sick also but I don’t puke!
I guess the close proximity makes the difference
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:54amKiss butt… or get out of the kitchen!
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:48am“Don’t get between Michelle and an enchilada.” — BHO
This is the characteristic projection behavior of a person with a problem. Much like an emotionally maladjusted, divorced person who becomes a marriage and family counselor in order to tell everyone else what they’re doing wrong. DUH!!!!
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 1:56pmfunny and true awesome post
Report Post »Husband_Beater
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:13pm“Enchiladas” or “burritos” !!….and you are damn right, I will kill anybody in my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »barber2
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:43amJust more of the media manipulation and hijacking we have come to know and expect from this over-exposed couple in the current Hurray for Hollywood White House. Wonder which conservative their media minions will skewer today ? Perry ? Bachman ? Romney ? More Cain ?
Report Post »noleftturn
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:42am….. I hereby nominate Michelle Omama for sainthood and/ or the Nobel Prize.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:20amYeah…she is SUCH an inspiration.
Report Post »Soon we can credit her and her idiot husband for all our collective weight losses when we can no longer afford food due to his great government policies.
littlefish
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:32amWhen is Obama going to wrap this woman in a Burka ?
Report Post »Don’t they need four men witnesses to say shes NOT FAT before its legit ????
Gamaliel
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:56amTo LITTLEFISH: Not soon enough for me. Those man arms are a great argument for the burqa.
Report Post »six6six
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:30amI bet your Sunday School teacher is really proud of you and your comments.
Report Post »raderby
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:23amya want her butt, too? Get real you morons. We got sold the train load of BS last election about her “arms”….. everyone could see the fat butt. IT IS ALL LIES, BS, and PROG tail wags the dog.
MSM is evil and it lies like its demigod…..the evil one in the stinking pit. Turn your eyes away from these pitiful worshippers of lies and evil.
Report Post »samsmama
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:23amWhy brag about her arms? Every football player in the league has arms like hers.
Report Post »Blackhawk1
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:16amYeah and lucky for them they don‘t have a butt like hers or they wouldn’t be able to run.
Report Post »yiska8
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:21pmThose arms are huge since she leads Barry around by those ears and string bean arms when out of camera shot.
Report Post »Husband_Beater
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:15pmWhat about my chest and shoulders?
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:21amOh, yes, the mighty manlady has reduced EVERYONE ELSE’S weight and improved EVERYONE ELSE but herself. I do not like the ugly thang in OUR HOUSE.
Report Post »cntrlfrk
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:19am‘
Every time I see her, she is stuffing her face with a hamburger or something.
Typical ruling class of ‘Do as I say, not as I do’.
.
Report Post »cycloid
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:26amThe staff now lives on Pepto Bismol and Immodium to keep from losing their small food allowances from escaping out of both ends. Soon they’ll all be just raw nerves.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:16amMichelle, you are annoying at best and I don’t like you or your husband. You remind me of how pathetic 20 percent of this country is. The other 80 percent will send you packing very soon. Enjoy your breakfast.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:14amI am sure that their jobs would be in no danger if they spoke to the media about gaining weight instead, right? That said, good for them for losing weight, and shame on the WH for exploiting their success.
Report Post »Shiroi Raion
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:12amI’m a little overweight, but I always knew how to lose weight if I wanted to. I’ve done it before and I never needed instructions from anyone. Eat less, cut fats and sugar, exercise.
Report Post »@Cobra2 I have to admit the same. I’ve lost a few pounds because of the Progressive “no money” diet too.
Thanks, for my Federally enforced diet, Progressives, but I was also able to afford health care and a gym membership until they took those away too. I felt a whole lot healthier when I had enough money to eat what I wanted.
jihadazzkicker
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:11amWhat an azz kissing story ….. lady could you suck up just a little more?
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:09ampolitic’s aside for a moment….. bravo staff for losing weight! (ok done)
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE ECONOMY?
Maybe the president’s wife should NOT EAT fried chicken nor french fries…..
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:06amWhy is she so big?
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:04amHaving to look at a face like Moochelle’s would make me a bit anorexic, too. Oh, and yeah, Moochelle‘s eating everything these good folks aren’t permitted to. Just ask Paula Deen.
Report Post »freedomofspeech
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:00amGood for them, FLOTUS is gettting her house in order. I‘m sure there is no reason to believe thier job would be on the line if they didn’t loose the weight.
Report Post »Bonesaw
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:58amRule #1. Anything said from the white house is a lie
Rule #2. Anything said from the white house is for political posturing
I don’t care who you are. I don’t care how much info you put of food labels. I’m eating what ever the h3ll I wanna eat. Period! This woman stuffs her joker smile face with ribs, fried chicken, french fries and a wide assortment of other “unhealthy” foods while she tries to force us to eat granola. A butt doesn’t get as big as hers from eating granola.
FACT: Our school district used to serve broccoli soup, vegetable soup, and ham and beans. Those foods got banned because of Michelle O’s “eat healthy” campaign. How are ANY of the foods that got banned here “unhealthy”? VEGETABLE SOUP!!! Somebody needs to spray paint a big red letter V someplace.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:07amCould you provide the name of the school district or a link to a story about these foods being banned? I’d like to read more about it.
Report Post »cece959
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:56amThat‘s because she’s eating everthing they can’t.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:56amI’ll have to admit, I lose my appetite when I see her too.
Report Post »cobra two
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:55amWell, I credit BARRY for my weight loss. My wallet is much lighter since this fool took office.
Report Post »olddog
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:57amAmen Brother…
Report Post »yiska8
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:32pmSo true. But then some go the other way. Cheap processed foods cause weight gain and with so many on the Barry Bucks food stamp program it is all most can afford. Then again some are down to a meal a day anyway, thanks to Barry and Moochie. Have another order of ribs and plate of enchiladas on us guys, live it up, start deciding which house you want in Chicago, and decide what you’re going to steal from the WH. You’ve got until early January 2012 until a real President and First Lady arrive.
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 8:52am“For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country,”
Report Post »barber2
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 9:36amSuch I Hate America comments make me sick. Think I’ll skip a meal.
Report Post »