Jerome Ferguson: What's In Your Fridge?
If you think pro bodybuilders can only do chicken-and-broccoli or epic-cheat-meal, you've never looked inside Jerome Ferguson's fridge. This IFBB pro knows the sweet little things matter, too!
Bodybuilders: they train hard, supp big, and keep a boring fridge full of egg whites, chicken, green veggies, and unsatisfied cravings—right? Not always. NFC pro Jerome "Hollywood" Ferguson, who has been representing the sport onstage and in countless expos since the turn of the century, understands that life is all about balance.
Ferguson eats clean, lifts heavy, and makes room for what he calls "a little feel-good." Take a peek into his fridge and see what the one-and-only Mr. Hollywood uses to stock his shelves—and hide his secret treats behind.
I see salmon, chicken, tilapia, and beef. Are those protein sources the main staples of your diet?
Yes, they are, but I tend to eat a lot more tilapia than anything else. Sometimes I swap it out for a fattier fish like salmon or add a side of avocado to a whitefish entrée. When you eat the same food all the time, it's good to switch it up.
I eat a few meals a day, pairing each meal with a different protein source. My favorite is blackened tilapia seasoned with garlic salt, cayenne pepper, and chili powder, with a side of potatoes and broccoli or asparagus. It makes for easy meal prep, too. I just microwave my potatoes and vegetables, mash them up together, top with a small serving of Opa's Greek Yogurt dressing, and serve with the flavorful piece of fish.
I spy with my little eye some frozen California Pizza kitchen. Give it up: What toppings do you go for, and how often?
Busted! We eat a pizza very seldom—about once a week or so. I buy the store-bought margarita and always top it with a cut-up chicken breast.
I love Edy's Slow Churned. What flavor have you got there?
That all belongs to my fiancé... OK, just kidding. We went through a phase where we'd eat a couple of spoonfuls every other night or so, just to get a little "feel-good." I personally like the Caramel Praline Crunch. It's all about balance. I believe that it's good to treat yourself every once in a while.
We all hear these days to avoid juices because of the sugar. How does cranberry juice fit into your diet?
I mix juice with sparkling water, half and half, to cut the sugar. It's a healthy alternative to soda; I call it my cocktail.
I see you have a shelf full of condiments. What is your favorite way to dress up your healthy meals?
In addition to the Opa's Greek Yogurt Dressing, which I put on just about everything from turkey burgers to chicken and beef, I also garnish my meals with yellow mustard, sugar-free ketchup, and dill-pickle relish.
That side door is lined with B-Elite meals. Which is your favorite, and why?
I always have a full stock of B-Elite meals in my freezer. They're great on the go. My favorite is tilapia and broccoli. I add a bit of salt and Cholula hot sauce into it and eat it for breakfast most days.
You were quick to close the refrigerator door. Spill it: What do you keep in the bottom drawer?
Haha! Busted again. I bought some chocolate-covered strawberries as a gift for my fiancé, and we have some left over. Most of the time, I keep broccoli and asparagus in that bottom drawer, I swear!