Guy Fieri was like most kids growing up – loved his parents and hated their cooking. “My parents were into macrobiotic cooking – vegetarian, nondairy, whole grains, no red meat,” the Food Network star told People in a recent interview.

While most kids rebel by skipping curfew or drinking, Fieri acted out by cooking. “I started cooking when I was 10 because I just couldn’t eat that stuff,” he says. His rebellion even includes a tattoo that reads “Kulinary Gangsta.”

He has an infectious passion for food, that he shares on many Food Network shows, as well as with his family of four. Fieri is married to wife Lori, and they have two sons, Hunter and Ryder. He gets the entire family involved when he’s in the kitchen (which due to shooting schedules is only about one-third the year). His kids help prepare recipes like deep-fried s’mores, four-bean salad, barbecue, pizza, sushi or Hunter’s spaghetti and meatballs.
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This presidential candidate has a love for cheesy greasy foods, like enchiladas and pizza. So the chicken queso burger, created by Food Network in his name, sounds like something John McCain would have no hesitation eating.

The recipe looks incredible, sure to just pop with flavor, especially once the chicken has been grilled. The nutrition facts leave a little to be desired- with 742 calories, 30 grams of fat; that’s 16.5 Weight Watchers Points for you counters. For the low carb dieters, 51 grams of carbs (80 percent from the roll). Those numbers are pretty hard to swallow, and we’re certainly not pitching this as a healthy recipe as-is.

A chicken sandwich is certainly a smart, healthy meal, especially with the salsa, avocados and olive oil (with healthy MUFAs), and a fresh citrus marinade; but once you add the cheese and white bakery roll things take a turn for the worse. So, we’ve come up with a few suggestions for voting out some of the calories and fat.
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Burgers are probably not a part of Barack Obama’s diet, considering all the veggies and nuts he enjoys eating. That didn’t stop Food Network from creating a pizza burger recipe in his name, that they think suits this Chicago candidate’s style.

Knowing that the Democratic candidate prefers a lean, nutritious diet and is very physically fit, it’s hard to imagine him chowing down on one of these burgers. The nutrition facts are astonishing: 1246 calories, 88.5g fat, 260mg cholesterol, 1340mg sodium, 53.6g carbs, 2.1g fiber, 4.7g sugar, 60.6g protein, not to mention nearly 32 WW Points. Whoa! That’s nearly two double Quarter Pounders with cheese from McDonald’s.

We’re certainly not condoning this as a “healthy” recipe. It sounds delicious, and the novelty of a Barack Obama burger could certainly be a fun entree at an election watch party. So we have some suggestions to reduce the fat and calories in this, or any burger.
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If you have not yet joined the Oklahoma City Mayor’s weight loss challenge- then you and your family by be eligible for a new Food Network show. The casting call is tomorrow!

Casting Call for Documentary Series on the Food Network
In search of new members for Mayor’s Challenge

Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. is coming to Oklahoma City in search of overweight individuals and families who are ready to join Mayor Cornett’s Weight Loss Challenge.  If you know of someone who has not yet joined, please pass on the following information.

When: Saturday, May 31st

Where: Civic Center Music Hall
201 North Walker Avenue
CitySpace Theatre

Time: Noon to 5 pm
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Hi All! Being a guest blogger, I feel as though I have to introduce myself. My name is Roni and I normally blog over at my place, WeightWatchen.com. My claim to fame, if you will, is losing 70lbs on Weight Watchers, which I’ve kept off for 2 years now.

One of the things that helped (and helps) me become successful on this weight loss attempt (believe me, there were MANY attempts) was my willingness to try new foods. I think most of us now know that a successful weight loss plan needs to be something that we practice long-term. Dare I say a lifestyle with all the advertising that’s going on. Anyway, if the plan we choose has only specific meals or foods we can eat that may put us in a position of getting bored, returning to old eating habits and going off plan. Which may lead to disastrous results, like gaining even more weight (yes I’ve done that too).

So what’s the answer?

Well, it may lie in your refrigerator.

Shortly after I joined Weight Watchers, I hit my kitchen. Soon, I realized with just a little creativity and some practice (ok, ok A LOT of practice) I can make good healthy foods at home. Something I think that is very necessary for long-term weight loss success.

I’m not sure I would be where I am now (weight-wise, that is) if I didn’t get creative and keep things fresh in the kitchen. Now I know that not everyone has the ‘cooking gene’ but there are many resources out there to help give you ideas, hold your hand and even inspire you.

A few months ago I started GreenLiteBites where I share my kitchen adventures on cooking and eating light. I post about new foods I’ve tried, share my recipes, and even post tips.

Don’t worry, if an amateur blog isn’t your style, a lot of places are focusing on healthy, light recipes, like CookingLight.com, Healthy Cooking at TasteofHome.com and even the Food Network.

So I say, give it a try! Hit your kitchen and see what you can come up with, you may surprise yourself!
Thank you, Roni, for sharing your kitchen and weight loss insights with DietsInReview!