Alexx Guevara

Alexx Guevara is not your typical chef.

His fit physique contradicts the stereotypical image of a portly

culinary master. His food is deliciously guilt-free. And he works for

free.

Well, for the members of the Costa Mesa Senior Center, he does.

Guevara, or “Chef Alexx” as he is lovingly called at the center,

taught a nine-month series on the benefits of cooking healthfully and

demonstrated his techniques during the lecture. Series topics

included ways to ward off cardiovascular disease, the importance of

calcium, foods that help fight cancer and the right balance of sugars

when dealing with diabetes.

Flavorful aromas wafted through the senior center auditorium, as

Guevara energetically explained about “good fats” and how they are

essential to wholesome eating.

“If you’ve been cutting fat, adding a little back can sometimes be

a good thing,” he said, and explained how dietary fiber and a

reasonable amount of fat work together to control calories and make

food more satisfying.

Guevara speaks with ease and considerable knowledge on the

subject, while sauteing a sizzling chicken dish.

In high school and college, Guevara worked in many restaurants and

gained a love for culinary arts. Health was also extremely important,

as he was an accomplished athlete and member of the U.S. Junior

National Cycling Team.

He shattered his knee during a race, which led him to pursue an

education in sports rehabilitation. Guevara graduated from UCLA with

a degree in sports kinesiology and also attained a license from the

American College of Sports Medicine.

Still remembering his love for food, he also graduated from

culinary school.

Armed with his knowledge of nutrition and love for cooking,

Guevara set out to educate people on healthful food preparation.

The many health ailments that seniors face in the later years,

coupled with the unhealthful cooking habits of previous generations

-- before diet and exercise were so popular -- make for a frightening

combination.

Seniors should know they can still eat food that tastes good but

won’t add to, or cause, health problems.

-- Story by Lolita Harper,

photo by Sean Hiller