11 Questions With Eddie Jackson

Eddy Chen, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
There's a lot to know about Eddie Jackson. Not only did this Texas-born chef win season 11 of The Next Food Network Star, but he's also a personal trainer, food truck owner... and he had an impressive career in the NFL. Eddie's passions are fitness and good food, and he knows the two don't have to be mutually exclusive — the healthy recipes in his playbook taste absolutely delicious. In fact in Eddie’s world, there is no need for a “cheat” day, because his good-for-you food is packed with flavor and doesn't leave you feeling deprived. To learn more about our favorite fit "Jack of all trades," we quizzed Eddie as part of our friends at the Partnership for a Healthier America's "11 Questions" series.
One? That’s so hard! But I’d have to say collard greens. They’re sturdy, versatile and so good for you. I use them in soups and sautes, and as sandwich wraps.
I do some form of exercise every morning as soon as I wake up, whether that’s push-ups or hitting the gym. It’s so important to get your body moving within an hour of getting out of bed.
Oatmeal topped with roasted sweet potatoes.
Fruit, water and protein powder.
Interval training. You can work nearly every muscle in your body in less than an hour.
My dad. He was my first trainer when I started playing sports, and he still works as a personal trainer today.
I’ve got a two-part answer: flat — no ice — during the day, and then sparkling water with dinner.
French fries! No contest.
Know what, when and how to eat.
Grilled halibut or cod and mixed vegetables.
Always practice moderation. Growing up in the South, we always piled our plates high with food. But as I got older and family members developed health issues, I learned the importance of healthy portions.