Virginia Willis

Chef Virginia Willis is a James Beard award-winning cookbook author, famous Southern chef, television personality, content creator, motivational speaker, and social media influencer. Learn more…

Chef Weight Loss Success Story

Recently, her work has been inspired by her health journey and chef weight loss success story. Virginia has lost 65# and kept it off for 3 years.  In 2023 she was featured in the AARP, the largest circulation magazine in the United States, was a guest on the Rachael Ray Show, and competed on Alex vs America.

What started with my painful desire to lose weight has evolved into a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual components of health.

I believe you can eat foods that are delicious – even sometimes indulgent and decadent – and still lose weight to become healthy and strong. Why drive yourself crazy with long lists of foods you cannot have? Eat the damn cake.

My recipes are for real-life healthy eating and weight loss and still taste great. 

I am a real life walking example that you can change your life. I am a 56 year old post menopausal female and I feel better than I have felt in my whole life. I lost weight and more importantly, gained health. It’s not just about body size, it’s about feeling good in your body, taking care of your body, and living your best life. 

If French-trained, Southern chef can do it, you can, too. I want to inspire people! Progress is progress no matter how small. Don’t stop before you start. You can do it.

Cooking with Virginia 

Need some recipe inspo? Don’t know where or how to start your health journey? Looking for “Real Life Self-Care Guide with Recipes?” It’s more than a blog with pretty food shots. Cooking with Virginia is packed with her real life tips, cooking techniques, and good and good-for-you weight loss-friendly recipes for home cooks. 

Click on the images below to access recent posts or HERE to head to the main page. 

Bon Appétit, Y’all!

Virginia Willis

beard foundation www.virginiawillis.com
Essays and Stories

  This picture of my sister was taken in August, just a few weeks before the 9/11 tragedy in 2001.  I wrote this post

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Sweet Treats and Desserts

Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies

Chocolate is my favorite dessert. Take a look at that rich, dark color. These are delicious, knock-your-socks-off absolute chocolate decadence. I recently taught these

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