How Celebrity Chef Katie Lee Enjoys Food And Stays In Shape

Raised in West Virginia, Katie Lee has always been surrounded by the enjoyment of food. With access to her grandparent’s farm, she learned how to appreciate food and started cooking at the age of four. A culinary sensation, Lee has been seen on Bravo’s hit show Top Chef, Food Network’s The Kitchen, and this summer will star in her show, Beach Bites, on the Cooking Channel. Did we mention her wide-array of delicious cookbooks? A top-selling culinary author, this celebrity chef is on the road, cooking and eating.

With a hectic schedule—and lots of food to try—it’s gotta be tough to keep in shape. But for Lee, balance is key—and not being afraid to try new foods is a must.

“I am a self-proclaimed beach bum and I love the food and culture that go along with it,” shares Lee.

As Lee is on set working on Beach Bites, she had time to share her secrets to staying in shape while indulging—just in time for summer.

On Making Healthy Choices …

With any kind of cuisine, you can make healthy choices. Sure, sometimes it’s fun to indulge in a fried fish taco, but it is equally as delicious to get the fish grilled instead. It’s quite easy at the beach to eat on the lighter side. While filming Beach Bites in St. Bart’s, I had the most incredible wahoo ceviche in coconut milk. No guilt in that!

On Her Favorite Indulges …

It’s all about making better choices. I have a big sweet tooth and one of my favorite go-to treats is Nutchello Rich Dark Chocolate Walnut from Silk. It only has 90 calories per serving! I recently partnered with the brand to develop some fun cocktail recipes, perfect for anyone who wants to reward themselves after a good workout.

On Her Favorite Beach Snack …

I am a big fan of fruit at the beach. I like to cut it up and freeze it and snack on it all day long to stay cool and fresh.

On Her Love For Fitness …

I love to eat so I balance it out with exercise. I do the Tracy Anderson Method five to six days a week at her gym. While filming Beach Bites, I use the online streaming of Tracy Anderson’s classes. I also go on power walks when I travel so I can do a little site seeing while getting a workout.

Don’t think of working out as a chore or something to dread. It is an opportunity to focus on yourself and will ultimately make you feel really good. Sometimes when I’m working long hours, and I think I just can’t possibly make time, I remember where there is a will, there is a way. I am always happy I did it when it is over. Have you ever thought, Oh I wish I wouldn’t have gone to the gym! No!

A Typical Workout …

I start with one hour of muscular work and follow it with a half hour to an hour of dance cardio. I know it sounds like a big time commitment, but it has just become part of my routine and I’m happier and feel better when I stay with the program.

On Her Favorite Summertime Recipe …

Perfect for summer, this is a favorite for summer: Frozen Dark Chocolate Mocha Margarita

Ingredients

• 2 oz Silk Dark Chocolate Walnut Nutchello
• 2 oz coffee-flavored tequila
• 1 oz dairy-free chocolate syrup (plus more for garnish)
• 1 cup ice
• So Delicious Original Coco Whip, for garnish

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Divide mixture into two daiquiri glasses and serve with straws.

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