Gena Knox is one of my favorite ladies, and I hope each of you have the chance of meeting her one day! If I had to characterize her in a few words they would be hard working, determined, and kind. Her unwavering determination and motivation toward exercise and living a healthy life is inspirational to everyone who comes into contact with her. Gena works so hard on her family, her work, and her health. This amazing woman was exercising the very day that she gave birth to precious Genevieve (pictured) and truly is a testament that there are no excuses when it comes to a healthy life style! Her two cookbooks (Southern My Way and Gourmet Made Simple) are main stays on my countertop; the recipes are fresh, simple, and healthy!
Read about Gena’s fitness journey and find out how she successfully keeps fit below...
My husband, Davis, and I own a cooking products company called Fire & Flavor. We produce products such as cedar planks, spice rubs, brines, and I am also a cookbook author. I love cooking fresh and seasonal, and I take a healthier approach to foods. Cooking is my way of relaxing after work, but I keep my energy level up through exercise. I started exercising in college doing a little aerobics, walking/running, and weights. I have learned more about nutrition and exercise over the years and always try to eat smart. I work hard to feed my family healthy meals and try my best to stay away from processed foods. With the fast-paced lifestyles we all live, it is not always possible, but I do try my best!
My current workout is exercising with Caroline twice a week and running four days a week. I have much more energy when I exercise, and running with friends early in the morning clears my head. It is a great way to catch up with friends and the perfect start to my day. I always take one day off a week to give my body a rest. Caroline makes working out fun, and she is very inspirational! I have set several goals since I have been working out with her - one of which is only eating out twice a week. This goal alone has made a huge impact on the foods I eat and the way I feel.
I love Gena’s goal to only try to eat out twice a week! Small changes like that one and staying consistent with an exercise program can really lead to big results over time. Set a November goal for yourself, and let’s make it happen!
Try Gena’s Balsamic Roasted Chicken dish this week - one of my family’s favorites!
BALSAMIC ROASTED CHICKEN
This robust one-dish meal pairs balsamic-kissed chicken with a colorful tumble of root vegetables – just right for autumn evenings with a little snap in the air. I like to make it in a cast-iron skillet, which distributes heat evenly and keeps the vegetables tender beneath a crispy skin.
- PREP TIME: 15 minutes
- COOK TIME: 35 minutes
- YIELDS: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, 3 ½ to 4 pounds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 carrots, sliced ¾ inch thick (about 2 cups)
- 1 pound small Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, quarterd
- Balsamic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
FIRST Preheat oven to 500°F. Rinse chicken with water, pat dry, and rub with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Butterfly chicken by removing the backbone with kitchen scissors and set aside.
NEXT Place carrots, potatoes, and onion inside a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or glass baking dish (coat with cooking spray if using glass). Lay chicken on top of vegetables, breast side up, tucking wing tips. Combine sauce ingredients and pour over top of chicken.
LAST Place skillet on middle rack of oven and roast for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature for 400°F and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part of breast. Let meat rest for 15 minutes before cutting.