Sobriety, Fitness, Gratitude: The Tools That Built Michael Chernow’s Life

Michael Chernow shares his personal struggle with addiction, originating from a turbulent childhood, and details his remarkable journey to wellness and sobriety.

Michael's Lifelong Struggle With Addiction and Self-Destructive Behaviors

Dysfunctional Home Led Michael To Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Chernow grew up in a rough household with an abusive father and a loving but overwhelmed mother, leading him to develop skills as an "escape artist." To cope with his troubled home life, Chernow frequently retreated to friends' homes or immersed himself in sports. His situation at home deteriorated around the age of 12, resulting in an extreme act of self-harm as a cry for his father's attention.

Michael's Addiction Peaked With a Near-Fatal Heroin Overdose in His Youth

Chernow's escape into drugs started socially but quickly turned into an addictive behavior as he sought to see himself differently. As his dependency escalated from party drugs to alcohol, cocaine, and eventually to heroin, Chernow faced a life-threatening overdose, which served as a wake-up call. After surviving the overdose, he realized he needed to quit drugs but couldn't do it alone. A moment of clarity on 13th Street made him acknowledge his near-death experience, but he struggled to quit, feeling he was headed for an early demise.

The Pivotal Moment That Inspired Michael's Recovery

Michael missed work for the first time due to his desire to kill himself, and when he called his boss to apologize, his boss fired him but also offered a lifeline, saying that everyone cared for him, but he couldn't be paid to die. Chernow's boss then provided him with a plan that included training for two hours every day, eating healthily, taking naps, and praying.

Reaching out to a woman named Karen for help, Chernow was introduced to her boyfriend, Marcus, who played a crucial role in his recovery. Marcus helped introduce him to sobriety and wellness, including fitness and nutrition, without judgment. He lis ...

Michael Chernow and Mari Llewellyn highlight the integral role that fitness, nutrition, and routine play in achieving a holistic sense of wellness. Drawing from personal experiences, they discuss the transformative impact of these elements on both physical and mental health.

Michael's Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness

Michael believes in a holistic approach to health, where consistent, small victories in exercise, nutrition, and sleep are key to long-term wellness.

Exercise, Nutrition, and Morning Routine Sparked Michael's Transformation

Marcus advised Michael to begin his day with a series of positive actions, including making his bed, personal hygiene, exercise, and a nutritious breakfast, to infuse positivity into his body and mind. This strict routine of exercise, diet, and rest was crucial in Michael's journey towards sobriety and wellness. He acknowledges that while awkward at first, fitness soon became a reliable source of victory and achievement for him.

Michael shares how physical activities lead to a sense of accomplishment and control in areas of life that often seem uncontrollable. After substituting his addiction with food and developing an eating disorder, fitness gave Michael a new purpose and sense of self. Similarly, when discussing nutrition, he emphasizes his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a routine of precision and balance in diet, including a protocol that alternates between a carnivore diet and controlled carb intake.

Michael Believes Small, Consistent Wins in Sleep, Hydration, and Nutrition Are Key to Long-Term Wellness

Chernow values consistent, small victories in sleep, aiming for at least seven hours a night as part of his wellness practice. He suggests that consistently showing up for oneself in terms of sleep, nutrition, and overall wellness is foundational, even when other areas of life are challenging. By achieving daily wins, especially regarding sleep and nutrition, individuals can build confidence and find happiness in balanced living.

Importance of Balance and Boundaries in Michael's Life

Michael's wellness philosophy extends beyond just physical health—it includes maintaining balance in his personal life and managing boundaries effectively.

Michael Prioritized Quality Time With Family and Self-Care In a Balanced Schedule

Michael speaks about the significant role his family life plays in his daily routine, valuing quality time with loved ones and integrating self-care into his schedule. He stresses the importan ...

Michael Chernow's journey as an entrepreneur has been marked by innovative concepts in the food industry, starting with the Meatball Shop and evolving into a focus on health and wellness businesses, including his current venture Creatures of Habit.

Rise of Meatball Shop; Michael Steps Away

Michael Co-founded the Successful Meatball Shop but Sold His Stake to Pursue Other Ventures

Michael Chernow co-founded the Meatball Shop with his childhood best friend Daniel on the Lower East Side of New York City, which expanded to six locations. The concept, aimed at doing one thing very well, became a hit, garnering significant media attention and having people wait hours to dine there. However, Chernow stepped back from the Meatball Shop due to differences in the vision for expansion, wanting to scale the business to iconic locations like LA because of their media presence. After being unable to convince the board and his partner to accept a deal with a private equity fund, he was bought out but retained 9% ownership.

Focused On Health and Wellness Businesses

Following his departure from the Meatball Shop, Chernow opened Seymour's, a sustainable seafood spot, to prove he could succeed on his own. He used the restaurant as an incubator for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), such as sauces and breads, intending to keep the concept local and not scale it up. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Chernow's plans for the restaurant had to be paused, leading him to pivot his career toward a new venture.

Michael's Transition to Cpg With Creatures of Habit

Michael Chernow is no stranger to adaptation. After diverging from the Meatball Shop, he sought to create a healthy restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere. The onset of COVID-19, however, prompted him to re-evaluate his direction.

Michael Drew Inspiration From His Oatmeal Wellness Routine

Chernow has long been dedicated to personal wellness, a passion rooted in a routine that has been central to his life for 17 years: a wholesome bowl of oatmeal every morning. This daily habit not only fueled his body but also birthed the idea for his next entrepreneurial venture. Amid the pandemic and uncertainty, he worked with a coach to navigate his indecision and eventually decided to start selling oatmeal, a decision that ...