You've seen him on Good Morning America and read about him in Muscle & Fitness Magazine, but this chef has always been an ICON to us! This week we're excited to feature Chef Andre Rush! A celebrity chef and combat veteran, who balances work, fitness, the day-to-day grind, and of course living and eating healthy! Here's why Chef Rush is our Everyday ICON of the week...
What do you do? (Job-wise)
I’m a Celebrity chef, combat veterans,advocate for the military, kids, etc. most people know me as the White House Chef and I do 2222 push-ups a day to spread awareness in the prevention of suicide.
What made you want to do what you are doing?
When I was younger I used to cook with my mother, unbeknownst to my father it used to make me happy. So when I joined the military later I knew that’s what I wanted to do in some form or fashion. As well as serve my country .
Why Icon Meals? What makes us different?
Icon Meals are very personable, they cater to the needs of your every day hectic lifestyle as well as for a person like me who’s a chef but necessarily can’t cook all the time. The difference is the taste, convenience, attention to detail and of course, the one day deliveries.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice was” be different” and always keep your humility. People will recognize that first before your monetary attributes .
You are a social media “influencer” what are you doing to be “influential” in today’s society?
Wow! It’s a huge responsibility and honor. I travel about 25 days out of the month going and speaking to tens of thousands of kids, the same with the military, and talk about mental health awareness, also nutrition and why exercise and diet is so important. With other influencers I’ve been able to reach millions from a gesture of doing 2222 push-ups a day. Which by the way this year I’ll break the Guinness book world record for push-ups, to raise a bigger awareness.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
My biggest inspiration was my mother. She always told me when I was a little boy that I could do anything, never give up and keep going. She said that until a few months ago before she passed away. She knew that I was helping a lot of people and she was dying and she never told me. She wanted me to help more people than for me to be there watching her .
How do you balance work and life demands?
You have to make your own way, you have to take time for yourself. That’s part of your mental health and well-being. Intestinal fortitude is essential for your lifestyle, whether it is work, family or environment.
What do you want your legacy to be?
My legacy will be for everyone to remember me as a giver, a helper and someone who gave unconditionally and wanted nothing in return. United millions of people by the simple gesture of push-ups .
How do you want to be remembered?
As one of the baddest Chef's known but not for being a chef, for what I’ve done in the community and the message I’ve spread to everyone.
What is your current focus? Any plans for the future?
My current focus is my Non Profit to 2222 Inc. where I bring military, first responders and influencers together with in-need kids from projects and they may not get that extra attention that everyone else has. After being an ambassador for Arnold Schwarzenegger's "After School All-Star Kids" it made me think of such a bigger purpose. I love working with them. !
What are your favorite Icon Meals? Or favorite thing about Icon Meals?
I actually love all of ICON Meals. If I did have a favorite every week they switch it up and I have a new favorite. But I also love that they can do the by the pound options for me, who eats a little bit more than average Joe, is a perfect add on!
Stay connected with Chef Rush on
- IG at realchefrush
- Twitter at realchefrush
- Facebook at chefandrerush
Want to be featured as an "Everyday ICON?" Submit your stories to info@iconmeals.com or send us a DM on IG or Facebook!