Nine years ago, Brady Braden was 70 pounds heavier, out of shape and eating way too many processed and sugary foods. Then one day he went to the doctor and stood on the scale. âBetween the numbers and his âencouragingâ me to lose a few pounds, I decided it was time to make things happen. I have always been aware of the complications that being overweight or obese can cause. The visit to my doctor was a true wake-up call.â
The Catch
When most people make a commitment to lose weight, they steer clear of all the foods that tempt them. Bradenâs path, on the other hand, ultimately took him straight into a pastry kitchen. In April of 2009, just four months after graduating from The French Pastry School, Braden opened BTrue Bakery. Located in Chicago, The type of bakery Braden operates, however, doesnât pump out trans-fat-filled cream puffs or overly-refined donuts. Every single pastry Braden creates is all natural, whole grain and heart healthier - something his customers are particularly fond of right around Valentine's Day.
âI come from a baking family. Iâve spent many hours in the kitchen with all members of my family from many generations. I decided to start converting my age-old family recipes to remove any ingredients that are processed or hormone-added. That meant real butter, real eggs, raw sugar, whole wheat flour and more tasty ingredients. Over the years I was able to convert (mainly through trial and error) most of the recipes into a healthier option. I knew it was still a cookie or brownie, but it didnât have all that other âstuffâ in it that my body doesnât need.â
Finding Fitness
Before Braden, now 32, put on all the weight that heâs since lost, he was actually quite active. A swimmer in high school and an active kid, he was ânever really into actual âfitness.ââ It wasnât until he got to college that he really started to put on weight. Braden attributes his weight gain to nothing more than unhealthy eating and not enough activity.
That was then â this is now. Today youâll see Brady not only working out, but teaching fitness classes most days of the week. Braden gives credit to a friend who helped him become completely immersed in fitness.
âA good friend brought me to my first SpinningÂŽ class. The Instructor was awesome, I hurt for days and I hated every second of it. The next day, I woke up ready to do it again. I knew myself well enough to know that I needed a STRONG motivator to get me to the gym.â Braden continued taking Spinning classes for a while, then focused on becoming a Spinning instructor. âI figured there was no better way to get me into the gym than risk being fired if I didnât show up. Happily, it worked perfectly.â
True Advice
When it comes to any advice, Bradenâs got a few gems.
- âBe Honest! So many of us fail because we are not honest with ourselves or others about what realistic goals should be. Great Goals give Great Results."
- "Be Curious! If I hadnât taken that Spin class (and I was terrified before my first class), I may well never have lost the weight. We need to always explore things that are new to us and learn."
- Be Proud! Even with the occasional set-backs or plateaus we may experience, a negative attitude will just make things worse. I always say, it takes 44 muscles to frown and 4 muscles to smile. Save Energy, Smile!â
Whatâs on your i-Pod, Brady Braden?
Braden admittedly listens to wide variety of music. On his i-Pod, or in his classes, you might find yourself listening to:
1)Â Â Â Anything by Radrigo y Gabriela
2)Â Â Â Any sort of âBollywoodâ Rock
3)Â Â Â Aerosmith: Back in the Saddle (a natural fit with 1 & 2, right?)
I would like to say thank you very much for the job you have made in writing this posting. I am hoping the same top job from you in the future too.
Thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog! Traci
Wow, Brady was an inspiration to me before, but now I am even more impressed after reading this profile. I love his 3 bits of advice, I shall be quoting him regularly!
-AB
Yes, Brady is pretty great – so multi-talented!
I’m so glad that Brady brings his wonderful, healthy baked goodies to the Glenwood Sunday Market in Rogers Park! It’s great to be greeted by his sweet smile and to take home freshly made pastries!
I agree, Sue! Brady loves what he does and it shows!