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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gina Neely dishes secrets to weight loss

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The 2008 premiere of the Food Network’s “Down Home with the Neelys” featuring cooking duo and married pair, Gina and Pat Neely, was a stepping stone for the couple as they showcased their southern Memphis, Tennessee, charm to thousands of viewers.

As they were known for often displaying their affection for one another during the course of 11 seasons while preparing some of their favorite recipes, the couple quickly became beloved by many. Since then, the couple has released several cookbooks and launched business ventures such as their New York City restaurant chain, Neely’s Barbecue Parlor.

The couple shocked fans in 2014 when they announced their divorce and agreed to go separate ways, but after two years away from the spotlight, Gina is back in the public eye and has completely transformed her lifestyle. These days she’s concentrating on building her own brand and has lost a total of 34 pounds while keeping close those who matter most.

The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper sat down with Gina at a local coffee shop to get the scoop on her secrets to weight loss and how her difficult split has impacted her perspective on wellness.

Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: What brings you to Indianapolis?

Gina: I’m here for a national tour with the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) and we are going to cities with a higher rate of underserved populations and teaching them about seafood and its health benefits to keep the heart healthy.

I’m all about being your best self, and if you’re not performing at your highest level, you can’t be your best self. We all know heart disease is a major preventable disease in the African-American community.

How does the incorporation of seafood encourage others to transform into a healthy lifestyle?

When people see me transform from one size to another, that helps them know they can do it and a healthier lifestyle is possible. This is a “can do,” and part of the Healthy Heart Pledge is replacing two of your meals per week with seafood. Many restaurants have more seafood on their menus and if you aren’t sure, you could ask your local grocer about preparation methods.

You look amazing and have clearly made healthy eating and exercise a priority. How will this impact the brand you are promoting?

I’ve taken the SNP pledge because seafood is lighter. I’m 50 and I have more energy than ever before! People know me as being in the kitchen cooking, but I want people to know the foods they are eating, not just a focusing on the presentation. That’s my rebrand, how food works for you nutritionally and how to become your best self.

At what point did you realize you needed to make your wellness a priority? 

Women are always the ones to put ourselves last. It was very difficult during my divorce, because I did it for the kids, my (former) husband and never for myself. Women are natural nurturers and we keep the family together, but when you do find time (alone), you think, “Wow, what do I want to do?” When I talked about my feelings on my Facebook page, a lot of women began to gravitate toward me and said they didn’t have time to eat healthy or exercise. Women have to make time; it’s OK to put themselves first. 

You and Pat are well known from your cooking show, “Down Home with the Neelys.” How has your divorce impacted your perspective on life?

I took two years off to be still. I wanted to step away and see the things I did that contributed to the divorce, because when you’re in the twister, you can’t really see it. It was extra difficult because Pat and I were a brand together, and I didn’t realize people would gravitate to us the way they did. I don’t know if it was because of Black love or what, but I took a really big hit because people felt as if I broke the family up.  At the end of the day, when you have weight on you, those are simply toxins in your body and you have to have the courage to step out on faith. I tried to leave five times, so it wasn’t easy for me.

I have two daughters and I wanted to wait until they got older, but I talk to them often about the importance of taking care of yourself. Be good to you first and don’t let anyone mishandle you. 

We all know the key to a healthy lifestyle is the 80/20 rule. It’s 80 percent what you eat and 20 percent exercise. How did you incorporate an exciting workout routine?

Exercising was my saving grace. It allows you to stay focused and builds up your stability. I was doing kickboxing and other things to build my body up. Of course if you’re exercising, you want to eat good food to fuel the body. Luckily I had a trainer who was around the same age and going through the same thing who encouraged me.

There’s nothing like having that support system, and that’s what the partnership with SNP is all about, partnering with other people. Exercising is hard work, but you feel so good after doing it. You may fuss all the way through it, but it can pay off. I did a pole dancing class, hip-hop in heels where you do Zumba in high-heeded shoes, and I really tried to change things up. I’ll take my girlfriends and go for a run.

What are some of your favorite seafood recipes?

I love my salmon recipe, but another I really like is a lobster salad in a martini glass rimmed with smoky paprika; it has great presentation. I’ll even put them into shot glasses so when my girlfriends come over they get a little shot of a lobster salad (laughs). It’s fun!

With this nine-city tour, you’re constantly on the go. What are a few snack items you reach for in between meals?

I carry around a can of tuna and I keep almonds in my purse. When people say they’re hungry I ask if they want a Kind Bar or a boiled egg and they go, “Really Gina?” but that keeps me from stopping at Taco Bell. I would love to advocate for healthy school lunches, because that’s where it starts. We eat and then we aren’t moving. When I was a kid I would try my best to get out of PE class by having the doctor write notes, but my teachers made me participate anyway. Especially in the African-American community, we want to fry everything because that’s our mindset.

Have you found yourself craving fast food and other unhealthy items?

I can’t eat a Big Mac anymore because my body won’t process it. Your body doesn’t crave it because it’s a complete lifestyle change. People think I’ve had surgery because they (Food Network) are showing reruns right now, and when they see me they turn their faces up but, honey, this was a five-year journey. Food now is so processed and that’s the hardest part, because people want it quick and easy, and I get that, but you sometimes have to pull back.

People think eating clean is more expensive, but it’s not always and it’s so much better for you. And when you think of preventative health care, you’re going to pay for it somewhere. Why not put the good stuff in now, so you can be around to see those grandkids and look great?

What’s next for Gina? Should we expect a cookbook soon or any special appearances?

Since I’ve been with the partnership I’ve been thinking about doing a seafood cookbook. I don’t want a big one, because people get turned off by that, but maybe just a pamphlet. I spoke with Gordon Elliot at “The Chew” and he wants me to make an appearance on there soon.

For more information on Gina Neely, visit GinaNeely.com and for more information on the Seafood Nutrition Partnership and the Healthy Heart Pledge, visit Seafoodnutrition.org.

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