Who: Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General
Dr. Satcher is an advocate for American public health. He is currently the director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, focusing on improving public health policy and eliminating health disparities for underserved groups. He was a four star admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and was the 16th Surgeon General of the United States. He is credited as the first physician to call on action for addressing the obesity epidemic in 2001.
Diet: My diet begins with breakfast where I have a mixture of fresh fruits and vegetables that we keep cut up at home, low-fat milk with whole-grain cereal and one boiled egg. Occasionally when the grandchildren visit I fix whole-wheat pancakes, sometimes with turkey sausage. Lunch and dinner are primarily a lean protein such as chicken or fish with at least two servings of vegetables, and we also enjoy whole-wheat pasta with ground turkey meat sauce. After dinner, we have fresh fruit for dessert. I have one glass of red wine with dinner every night.
Health resolution: I occasionally make health resolutions, but my weight has been the same for almost 30 years. So my resolutions are to continue to eat healthy and be physically active. The time that I set aside for physical activity is in the morning, for about 45 minutes before I have breakfast.
Most surprising thing in your fridge: Right now, the very high calorie birthday cake that was given to me by my daughter and son-in-law.
General thoughts on weight loss and healthy living: The most important thing is healthy living and for most people who get regular physical activity and follow good nutrition, including a healthy breakfast, they should not have a problem with gaining weight. I think as we get older we need fewer calories to maintain the same level of daily performance and weight. As U.S. Surgeon General, I communicated directly with the American people about the connection between good nutrition, physical activity and learning in children. With the GenYOUth Foundation, we’re examining how eating breakfast and being active at school can help kids actually perform better academically. And with in-school wellness programs like Fuel Up to Play 60, we’ve seen how giving students the ability to help choose their own school menus empowers kids to make more nutritious food choices.
Fitness regimen: I follow my own prescription that I recommend for all Americans: at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five to seven days a week. Personally, I get active every day of the week, walking, jogging, rowing, and even gardening. Keeping up with my four grandchildren keeps me active as well!
Guilty pleasure We have ice cream about once a week and I enjoy the occasional piece of dark chocolate.