Wildly Well with Louis Remolde
We’re super excited to bring South Philly’s favorite, Louis Remolde, to our stage. Louis is a restaurant industry veteran, baker, cook, and fitness instructor who turned his life around through food and sobriety. Good food is a lifestyle. I am continually inspired by Louis’s dedication to helping you get moving and in the kitchen. Follow along as we learn more about Louis’s journey to self love
I remember listening to you on the Chefs Without Restaurants podcast and you said you really took a focus on the food and cleaned up your act with food first – the way you were eating, the way you were preparing – that it really changed everything. Tell me a little about that. Why did you start with the food?
Well it actually started in 2014 with giving up alcohol and cocaine. How's that for a beginning sentence ;0
Once I gave up those two vices seriously, I knew that I needed to restructure the way I was eating and taking care of myself. So after around 90 days of being clean and having a clearer head I started to rethink what comes next in this major life change. So for me I kinda went overboard and completely gave up meat, dairy and all things white (sugar, flour). Which was good and bad for my body. I didn't really have a replacement plan for the things I gave up. So I wasn't getting enough protein, fat , and nutrition. So I needed to again start researching food and recipes that were healthy and added the nutrition needed. When I started my fitness journey in 2015 I really needed to get the proteins and fats needed for the training I was doing and for muscle gain. Plus I honestly need to gain weight. So at the time legumes, avocados, tofu, fruits, veggies and Protein powders were incorporated.
Why do you think it had such a profound effect?
Well I basically had to relearn how to eat. My organs all were healing from major damage from alcohol and cocaine use. So as I was learning how to start my life completely over from the outside my insides literally had to be restarted.
What is your philosophy on food and eating now? Why is this so important?
My relationship with eating and food has always been an ongoing love affair. But at this point in my life I understand so much more about what the body needs. And how to maintain a balance with food and staying active and healthy that works for me. You have to be aware of the food you eat, especially sweets and carbs, so simple things like walking or dancing a few times a week really does balance the food you consume. That's just a very simple version of staying active.
You became sober at age 39. Why? How did it become a lifestyle for you? How do you think that has changed you now?
2014 I decided on April 22 I was going to completely give up alcohol and cocaine. I was about to turn 40. I didn't like the way I started to look, I was noticing that I wasn't happy with my body. I saw aging signs in my face and to be honest I knew that the party lifestyle I was living was the reason for the dramatic change I personally saw. I am someone who takes the way I look and present myself very seriously and without sounding conceited I take pride in my good looks and the genes handed to me. Some call it vain or narcissistic, but it's not, it's about WANTING to make yourself look and feel good. Within 6months of being sober I noticed my skin was glowing, my eyes were brighter , the puffiness had vanished from my face and body, and I was starting to feel and look like the person I love, ME. Fast forward to how this change is holding up now. Well it's a no brainer I wouldn't be in this amazing chapter of my life if I had not gotten sober.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness: Waking up alive lol.
To me it's being forgiving to myself. Staying Active. Laughing is true wellness for me. I can go on and sound cliche but it's not me. Everything isn't easy and cured by “ live laugh love “ that we tend to see a lot of, especially recently in the last few years. Taking care of yourself mentally and physically is what real wellness is about. Checking in with yourself first before offering others your time and energy.
What advice do you have for others wanting to clean up their relationship with food or booze? And how can they make wellness a part of their everyday life to live wildly well?
My advice: DO IT! Take simple steps into changes in the food you eat and how much alcohol you drink. But I mean if you are personally noticing that you may or do have a problem with alcohol there are tons of outlets and especially today there are many online sources to help get you started on a sober lifestyle. Staying active and getting on a fitness routine of some sort a few times a week is a great way to start on the wellness journey especially as you get older.
What is your backstory? How did you get into food?
I started in the food and beverage industry around 14-15 years old with two under the table jobs, one making hoagies and another working in a bagel shop on the weekends.Then I took a job at a local dive bar waiting tables at lunch. Those jobs were basically brought on out of necessity. I grew up very poor and there wasn't any other option but to get a job as soon as I could. I wanted and needed to make money to survive and have things and help my family. When I graduated from High School I went to college because that's what society says, and hated it and left after a year ( I did return later for fashion and got what was needed from that). I needed a job and a friend hired and trained me to work at a very busy Mexican Restaurant in Manayunk. Immediately I loved this exciting lifestyle of bartending and waiting tables, that was very easy money to make. Then I worked at Sonoma, London Grill, a dive called Keywest, Woodys,Pure/Voyeur and eventually landed at Matyson which was the highlight of my industry career. I recently was working at the Dutch part time but have since put a hold on waiting tables and bartending at the moment. That's the short version of my back story in this industry. It's an amazing industry that iI can always fall back on to make money.
You’ve also worked in the restaurant industry for years. How do you think we can better bring a culture of wellness into the industry?
That's the million dollar question. I have for years been approached by Industry people wanting to get on track. Here's the thing: late hours and stress are huge factors in that world. Going out to decompress, sleeping in, grabbing quick bites to eat are all part of the problem that industry faces. So I always recommend committing to a realistic goal that works with your schedule. I feel that head Chefs/owners of bars and restaurants really have the power to set the tone. It's really refreshing to hear about sober/sober conscious chefs these days and how important what they do is to them and how it affects everyone in the restaurant.
As an entrepreneur, can you tell us why you started your business/what made you get into baking and fitness and what you do in your work?
Baking, Cooking and fitness started when I got sober. I used baking as a way to stay productive and occupied. Cooking started because I needed to prepare healthy food for my new lifestyle. Fitness was a way to get stronger mentally and physically, and again kept me occupied and away from falling off the wagon. The Business part of all those things came from others encouraging me to earn a living from the things I started to enjoy doing. So it started simple with nut butter, pickles, cookies and protein muffins that I could sell. The fitness certification basically just fell into my lap. I quickly became obsessed with the gym and knew I could really excel in teaching classes. I am very comfortable leading and performing in front of people. My cake business started the same way I would make friends and family cakes and eventually they wanted to pay me for them and started ordering more and more from me.
Where do you find inspiration for your recipes and fitness routines?
All around me. I see and take in everything. Fitness inspiration comes from so many places. Holly Waters has always been my number one inspiration especially early on in my fitness journey. Classic Jane Fonda is LIFE and always a good reference. There are some awesome trainers on IG that I look to when I feel stuck or my crew needs a change up @curry_christine, @primal.swoledier, @nathan and @mrandmrsmuscle to name a few.
Food inspiration comes from getting into the markets seeing what's available. I love seeing what Smitten Kitchen and Sally’s Baking Addiction are baking. All cake decorating videos. I also get very inspired from local chefs and places creating amazing baked goods and food here in Philly. I never really have a plan for what I am going to eat daily. It starts with cravings, from grabbing a falafel hummus wrap or making something at home like fresh pasta.
What is your mission/purpose statement?
I never compromise unless I am comfortable and benefit from whatever is being asked from me. I guess that's more of a Life motto.
My purpose at the moment is to inspire and help others get on track with fitness and making food that is relatable for all people to make.
What is a typical day like for you?
Wake up between 5:30am and 6am, drink a Glass of Water and start Coffee maker. I do nothing until I hear the coffee finishing, I pour and inhale. If I am meeting my fitness crew, which is Monday, Tuesday Wednesday Friday at 7am at Dickinson Square park or live on instagram I like to think of the exercises I want them to do that day. I teach total body workouts so every muscle is used throughout the 45minute class.
After class I have more coffee and a banana. Do some House work or catch up on shows that come on past 9pm the night before lol. I hit the gym at some point or do a home workout earlier than later. If you ever want something or need my creative advice I am at my peak between 8AM -11Am ! I go food shopping usually daily for what I want to eat. I am not one for getting huge grocery orders, I buy fresh and go with my cravings.
I usually have a cake or some baking order that I need to start or prepare for.
Up until recently I was I guess you would call it a care provider a few days a week for my dear elderly friend, doing errands, cleaning, food prep, exercising and anything else she needed. But that recently was put on hold and she is in rehab for a broken hip.
My day is pretty simple to me. Busy enough to pass the time and never boring. I love being on my bike riding to errands through Philly. I eventually need to think about where and what comes next, looking for a job within a gym and possibly going back to restaurant work.
You just wrote a book, tell us more about that! How did you get the idea to write about food and sex? Good food and good sex are both very sensual things. What can we expect to learn?
Ah YESSSSSS two things I know and love very much FOOD and SEX! Good Food, Great Sex, and Much Laughter is my motto, So I hope to bring it to others. It's a self Published 40 page book with my good friend artist Stevie Laney @steviellaney who I have worked with in the past. In 2019 we published a Coloring Cookie Cookbook which successfully raised money for No Kid Hungry.
The food and sex book came to me while I was in Asbury Park. There was a book I came across that I thought was truly brilliant and one of a kind. The book is called “Everybody” by Julie Rothman and Shaina Feinberg. The two authors literally went around NYC and set up with signs encouraging strangers to come sit and tell them sex stories. I skimmed through the book and was fascinated by the topics and stories they collected from everyday people. I didn't buy it at the time ( but eventually did and I highly recommend it) I did immediately text Stevie about an idea that was brewing about a book that was food and sex related but I didn’t want it to be another boring aphrodisiac book. I wanted Sexual Positions with descriptions and simple quick food recipes to make before, during, and after engaging in sexual fun. Some of the recipes are adapted from other people ( with credit given) other recipes are items that you can buy and add a homemade touch, and a few hands on recipes like homemade spinach pasta. As the thought process went on we decided to add a page with foods that help with blood flow, circulation, and that may help with performance. There is also a page on foods you may wanna stay clear of if you're planning to get busy like dairy and legumes. We added fun food quotes, and a silly page on what zodiac signs crave and need from others. It’s a very light hearted users guide to quick no fuss food and possibly mind blowing sex for the reader. We want the reader to explore some new and classic positions. Give the reader insight on rethinking what foods they put in their bodies. And most of all we want the reader to laugh, and be open with themselves.
We are currently waiting for the delivery from the printing company but due to a paper shortage it's still being processed, so we are hoping for February and are very excited.
Are there any initiatives that you are passionate about and want to make a difference?
Yes So Many. It Starts with where you live and what's going on in your community . Get to know your neighbors. You don't have to be best friends but just be courteous. Does anyone elderly need an errand? Is there a community food bank or community refrigerator / pantry where you can donate food? Donating Clothes, shoes , kitchen items all these little things build your surroundings and make your neighborhood a better place.
Volunteering is one of the best things a person can do without spending money. I volunteered at ACCT animal shelter walking the dogs, served food at Broad Street Ministry, taught free fitness classes, helped with Girls on the Run after school program to name a few and each volunteering experience leaves you feeling so alive and aware of how amazing helping others without bragging or boasting really can be.
Period Poverty is a huge thing here in America and all over the world. So the amazing Mother and daughter team who run No More Secrets @nomoresecretsmbs is doing a great job collecting products and taking donations to help with this rarely spoken about problem many females face.
Bunny Hop PHL is always in need of food donations and has done amazing things for all communities in Philly. Anything to help with LGBTQ communties two places I recommend Attic Youth Center @atticyouthcenter and Morris House which supports trans-and gender nonconforming indiviuals. ACCT or any animal shelters. Anything to help Children or Elderly people.
What are you excited about for the next year?
Travel, Breaking Bread with friends, Hosting more Pasta Pop Ups, Writing Another book or more,getting back into volunteering, Doing more online stuff like Classes or how to shows. Maybe a Patreon or Podcast, I would love to return to television both local or national. Staying mentally and physically active.
What’s your biggest vice?
Procrastination and Self Doubt
What do you want to leave our readers with today? Feel free to add anything else you want readers to know or that I may have missed.
I hope that readers realize that it doesn't matter how old you are , or where you are in life, You have the ability to change anything you want and receive anything you desire.
Where can people find you to learn more?
All over the city! Biking and walking. I love when people say hello or stop me at the market to tell me they love my work or when they have taken an online workout class, or made something I did on instagram. SAY HELLO MORE !!!
MY IG HANDLES are
@louisr4ever which is set private but if you are interested in knowing more about my fitness classes or want training, message me. Group and individual training available, outside, at home or at the gym I belong too.
For all things Food IG @thesinglebaker here you will see the cakes and other baked goods and food I create for myself and clients. Feel Free to always leave messages if you have any questions on things I am making.
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