After a recent health scare, Al Roker decided to focus more on his health and well-being. The beloved Today show host recently opened up about how his eating habits have evolved over the years. He shared his thoughts on why he isn't a big fan of restrictive diets in the Allrecipes Allstar Summer Bash digital issue—the first of its kind.
Al Roker's Approach to Food and Exercise
In this exclusive feature, Al, now 69, talked about his upcoming cookbook, Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By: Easy, Memory-Making Family Dishes for Every Occasion, a project he worked on with his eldest daughter, Courtney Roker Laga. When discussing his eating habits, the seasoned meteorologist emphasized the importance of balance. "I believe in moderation," he explained. "Everything in life should be enjoyed without going overboard." This philosophy extends to his exercise routine as well. "I've never had trouble exercising too much," he admitted with a laugh. "But I do believe in staying active regularly."Read also:Tracker Season 3 What Fans Can Expect And Why Its A Mustwatch
Why Al Roker Doesn't Believe in Strict Diets
When it comes to following a rigid meal plan, Al isn't a huge fan. "I think when you cut out everything, you're setting yourself up for failure," he explained. "It’s like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Instead of going all-in on a diet, it's better to eat healthy most of the time and understand that sometimes, it's okay to indulge. You can always get back on track." Al believes that nothing should be entirely off-limits, as that only leads to frustration and eventual setbacks.Al Roker's Health Journey: From Gastric Bypass to Recovery
Al’s journey to better health began back in 2002 when he underwent gastric bypass surgery. He courageously shared his weight loss journey with the world, inspiring countless individuals along the way. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Al faced another challenge when he was hospitalized twice in November 2022 due to blood clots in his lungs and leg. This forced him to take a much-needed break from Today to focus on his recovery. "It’s been a tough road," he confessed during a virtual appearance on Today in December 2022. "But I’m incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support and prayers I’ve received. It gives me strength and hope."
In January 2023, Al made a triumphant return to Today, bringing tears of joy to his costars and fans alike. "I can't help it," Savannah Guthrie confessed to Today viewers. "The tears are already flowing. Al Roker is back, and saying we've missed you doesn't even come close to describing how much we've all felt your absence. It's not the same without you here." Hoda Kotb added, "The crew is weepy, and the crowd outside has been waiting for you. They've been asking every day, 'Where's Al?'"
Staying Active and Sharing Favorite Recipes
Now fully committed to his health, Al regularly exercises and shares updates on his daily walks via Instagram. In his new cookbook, he’s also sharing some of his favorite family recipes, like his mom’s classic macaroni salad—a dish that brings back fond memories. "My mom made this slightly sweet but tangy macaroni salad often, especially for family gatherings," Al reminisced. "It was a picnic essential, a dish we always brought when the Roker clan took a day trip to Rockaway Beach. I can still picture the sun on my back, the sand beneath my feet, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and me eating my macaroni salad as fast as I could because my mom was convinced it would spoil the moment it hit the sun!"
