Healthy Living

Key Points

• In this exclusive interview, Tony Hawk shares his recent collaboration with Pilgrim's Chicken to inspire healthy snacking habits.
• The skateboarder revealed the high-protein snacks and meals that keep him fueled during training.
• He also opens up about his new role as a grandfather and how his nutrition and health habits have changed over the years.

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk has made a lasting impression on the skateboarding world that extends beyond the skate park. He’s been skateboarding professionally since he was a teenager, and his skills have earned him a slew of awards. 

These days, Hawk is still dedicated to the sport of skateboarding, with some practical updates to better suit his lifestyle at age 56. And he recently partnered with Pilgrim’s Chicken to create a series of videos to encourage healthy snacking, inspired by his iconic skateboard tricks. 

When asked about the most rewarding part of the collaboration, Hawk explains how creative the campaign is. “I customized some of my signature tricks to be snacking tricks, including the ‘Bawk n’ Roll’, the ‘Freehand Nugget,’ and the ‘Trippy Dippy,’ which will all be shared on video soon,” he shared. “I love incorporating skating into other aspects of my life, including eating. Why not make snacking fun and also show the world how far skateboarding has come in the process?”

We got a chance to chat with Hawk about the protein-packed snacks and meals he eats while training, how he prioritizes staying in shape and how food plays a role in his life today as a father and grandfather. 

Related: Megan Thee Stallion Snuck Her Phone Into the Met Gala and Shared Everything She Ate

EatingWell: Which is your favorite meal to eat while training?

Tony Hawk: Probably lunch. Even though it doesn't require the most preparation, I feel like that's when I'm the hungriest during the day, because it's usually after I skate. My go-to lunch is almost always chicken. It really is, in various forms. I love shawarma, teriyaki, green chili, chicken katsu and obviously chicken nuggets. I'm thinking about all the food I have in my fridge right now, and I’m getting really hungry. 

EW: What motivated you to partner with Pilgrim Chicken? 

Hawk: Well, they hit me up and asked if I wanted to be part of their pro snacking campaign, meaning that you find new and creative ways to snack on their chicken nuggets, and I thought that would be fun to incorporate them in some of my signature moves. So, I signed on right away, and we came up with a few ideas.

EW: A bit of a throwback, but what was your go-to snack while you were a part of the Bones Brigade (a skateboarding team that started in 1979 and launched the popularity of the sport)? 

Hawk: Shoot, that's hard. That's a long time ago. I've honestly been a fan of chicken nuggets for a long time, so I probably would have gotten them as a bigger snack somewhere at a fast food place. Yeah, I mean, I was still pretty young and kind of green and naive in terms of healthy eating and trying different cuisines. So my snack was usually your standard fast food meal of chicken nuggets, fries and a drink.

Related: Selena Gomez Just Revealed Her Food Hot Take, and Our Editors Are Split

EW: What has been the most rewarding part of being a new grandfather?

Hawk: Right now, he just started eating solid foods. Well, I'm not gonna say solid foods, but pureed foods. And that's been fun because sometimes we're the ones who introduce him to a new flavor. So we literally pureed some pears the other day for the first time, and he made a pretty funny face. I love that we get to introduce him to new foods and new cuisines. 

EW: How do you incorporate food and exercise into your daily life today, as opposed to when you were skating more competitively?

Hawk: It's hugely important to what I do, especially at my age. I definitely watch what I eat. Yes, I am a pro snacker, but I make sure that I don't overindulge and that I'm keeping a good balance of healthy foods and snacking foods. I honestly never thought I'd be working out at this age. That was the antithesis of what I did when I was young. When we were skating, we were doing it because it set us apart, because it was different, and it wasn't popular. So when we're looking at true athletes who train consistently, that wasn’t what we wanted to do at all. When you get to be my age and you want to do something as demanding as skateboarding, you have to do other things to keep yourself in shape. So that involves making smart eating choices and moving your body to stay flexible. 

EW: What does “eating well” mean to you?

Hawk: I think eating well is having a healthy balance of all the different foods. Things that are good for you, but also things that you truly enjoy.  And having an appreciation for all of it, for what it gives you and the experience of enjoying new foods. It's really hard to get outside your comfort zone, especially when you're a kid, when you kind of get stuck in these modes, so I say just try everything. You know, what's the worst thing that’s gonna happen? You're not gonna like it, fine. You won't eat it again. But you might find something you truly enjoy, and it'll just stick with the rest of your life.

Related: Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet Shared the 2-Ingredient Snack He Always Eats on Set (Exclusive)

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

You'll only need 20 minutes or less to prep these four- and five-star-rated meals. Each of these tasty recipes is lower in calories and carbs, and sticks to heart-healthy levels of saturated fat and sodium for a diabetes-friendly dinner you'll want to make on repeat. Recipes like our One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon and Broccoli and Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Gnocchi & Peas are delicious ways to shake up your routine any night of the week.

Save to MyRecipes

Love any of these recipes? Tap "Save" to add them to MyRecipes, your new, free recipe box for EatingWell.

High-Protein Veggie Sandwich

From beans to tofu to tempeh bacon, this high-protein veggie sandwich formula can help mitigate blood sugar spikes and keep you feeling full until your next meal.

View Recipe

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon and Broccoli

This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp, garlicky broccoli and bell pepper, all cooked in one pan. Packed with lean protein, omega-3s and a generous serving of veggies, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat.

View Recipe

Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Gnocchi & Peas

This speedy dinner combines shrimp with pillowy gnocchi, pesto and peas in a creamy sauce. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper, or garnish with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory flavor.

View Recipe

Chickpeas alla Vodka

Chickpeas are swimming in a creamy vodka sauce that gets enhancements from sautéed garlic, onion and vibrant green baby kale. Crispy, toasted whole-wheat bread is perfect for dipping. You can customize this dish easily by using chard or spinach in place of kale.

View Recipe

One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

Shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in this easy, one-pot recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this healthy shrimp recipe over whole grains or rice.

View Recipe

Eat-the-Rainbow Vegetable Soup

This vibrant and wholesome soup recipe helps support your well-being. It’s packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, like tomatoes, which contain lycopene, a phytochemical that may help reduce inflammation.

View Recipe

Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

A jar of sun-dried tomatoes does double duty for this healthy dinner recipe—the flavorful oil they're packed in is used to sauté the shallots and the actual tomatoes help to add delicious flavor to the creamy sauce. Served with perfectly cooked salmon, you really can't go wrong with this easy 20-minute weeknight meal.

View Recipe

Pistachio-Crusted Halibut

A layer of pistachios combined with panko breadcrumbs on top of the halibut fillets provides a delicious crunch and a pop of vitamin B6, a nutrient important for blood sugar regulation.

View Recipe

Sheet-Pan Beef & Cabbage Noodles

Forget the wok and all that stirring! This stir-fry comes together in only 20 minutes on one baking sheet under the broiler. The trick to a perfect sheet-pan stir-fry is making sure your ingredients are spread out well on the pan so everything cooks evenly.

View Recipe

Spaghetti with Creamy Lemon-Spinach Sauce

Give your veggie servings a boost with this easy spaghetti with spinach sauce recipe. Loosely inspired by the flavors of classic pesto, this vibrant pasta packs in plenty of spinach and basil with a garnish of nutty walnuts and savory Parmesan cheese.

View Recipe

Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & Edamame

Bursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame, and goat cheese.

View Recipe

High-Protein Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

Make this grab-and-go Tex-Mex–inspired soup with rotisserie chicken for this easy meal-prep soup. The frozen pepper-onion mix adds flavor and saves time in the kitchen, while the black beans add fiber and protein.

View Recipe

Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Salmon

Wondering what to do with leftover salmon? Turn it into another weeknight-friendly dinner with this lemony garlic pasta.

View Recipe

Mushroom & Tofu Stir-Fry

This tofu veggie stir-fry is quick and easy, making it a great go-to weeknight meal. Baked tofu has a firm, toothsome texture that crisps well in a hot pan. You can find it in flavors like teriyaki and sesame, both of which are delicious here. Or opt for a smoked version, which has the same texture with a more robust flavor. Serve it over brown rice.

View Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts

Serve this summery strawberry spinach salad alongside soup or a half sandwich, or top with grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a complete and easy healthy meal.

View Recipe

Lemon Chicken Pasta

In this easy lemon chicken pasta recipe, we love the combination of lemon zest and toasted breadcrumbs. This healthy dinner is made with rotisserie chicken, quick-cooking spiralized zucchini and baby spinach, so you get a complete meal in just 10 minutes.

View Recipe

Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

A light and creamy green-salsa dressing highlights this easy pasta salad with Southwestern flavors.

View Recipe

Chopped Chicken & Sweet Potato Salad

This easy salad allows for a wonderful use of leftover cooked chicken. Look for escarole in the produce section near the leafy greens; if you can't find it, you can use romaine instead.

View Recipe

Make your mornings delicious with these new breakfast recipes! Enjoy flavorful options like smoothies, overnight oats, stuffed potatoes and more. You’ll love starting your day with tasty dishes like our frosty High-Protein Orange-Mango Smoothie or our  Cosmic Brownie–Inspired Overnight Oats for a satisfying and nutritious breakfast.

Save to MyRecipes

Love any of these recipes? Tap "Save" to add them to MyRecipes, your new, free recipe box for EatingWell.

Banana Overnight Oats

The banana flavor comes through perfectly in these banana overnight oats. Pecan butter has a delicate flavor that complements the flavors nicely, but you can also easily swap it out for any nut butter.

View Recipe

High-Protein Orange-Mango Smoothie

This high-protein smoothie is a bright and refreshing drink that combines the tangy sweetness of fresh orange juice with the tropical richness of mangoes. A scoop of protein powder and Greek-style yogurt make this smoothie a satisfying breakfast. Using unflavored protein powder allows the natural fruit flavors to shine.

View Recipe

Cosmic Brownie–Inspired Overnight Oats

These overnight oats turn a childhood favorite into a nutritious breakfast with serious dessert vibes. These creamy oats are made with cocoa powder and a touch of maple syrup, then topped with a chocolate topping that mimics the classic brownie ganache. A sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles on top gives them their signature look for a fun and nostalgic touch.

View Recipe

Spinach, Feta & Egg-Stuffed Peppers

Bake eggs directly in a pepper for a gorgeous breakfast dish that all will enjoy. Use any colored bell pepper, just be sure to remove the seeds. Pair these stuffed peppers with your favorite fruit for a satisfying breakfast.

View Recipe

Berry Crumble Overnight Oats

With the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, these berry crumble overnight oats will keep you satisfied all morning. The natural sweetness of the berries pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced oat base, while the crumble topping adds a crunchy layer to each bite.

View Recipe

Loaded Breakfast Baked Potato

These loaded breakfast baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food worth waking up for. They take the best parts of a classic loaded baked potato—crispy skin, fluffy insides, melty cheese and smoky bacon—and make them breakfast-ready with a perfectly fried egg on top.

View Recipe

Passion Fruit Oatmeal Cakes

These fiber-packed oatmeal cakes are bursting with tropical passion fruit flavor—a delightful balance of tangy, sweet and slightly floral notes that will instantly brighten your morning.

View Recipe

Carrot Cake Smoothie

With a mix of carrot juice, banana, warm spices like cinnamon and ginger and a hint of vanilla, this smoothie captures all the cozy flavors of carrot cake in a glass.

View Recipe

No-Added-Sugar Mango Lassi Smoothie

Made with juicy frozen mangoes, creamy Greek-style yogurt and nutrient-packed hemp seeds, this high-protein smoothie is inspired by the Indian drink and keep you full and energized for your busy day!

View Recipe

Cacio e Pepe Quiche

This cheesy quiche is a protein-packed twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. Tender cauliflower, combined with a creamy custard and nutty cheese, has the same bold black pepper and salty Pecorino flavor as the original dish.

View Recipe

Creamy Raspberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie

Chia seeds add a healthy dose of fiber to keep you full and satisfied. The natural sweetness of frozen peaches combined with dates and the tangy brightness of raspberries make every sip refreshing and satisfying.

View Recipe

Apple Ricotta Pancakes

These healthy apple pancakes puff to perfection, thanks to the right combination of ingredients. Ricotta cheese adds moisture and a bit of buttermilk adds a nice tang.

View Recipe

Blueberry-Coconut-Walnut Baked Oatmeal

This baked oatmeal gets natural sweetness from banana and dates with bursts of juicy blueberries and a nutty crunch from walnuts. This hearty dish is perfect for meal prep or sharing at brunch, offering a nutritious start to your day. Serve it warm with a dollop of yogurt.

View Recipe

Orange Smoothie

This creamy smoothie makes the most of the entire orange—peel and all. In addition to cutting down on food waste, studies suggest that orange peel is a powerhouse for gut health.

View Recipe

No-Bake Breakfast Cookies

Packed with oats, almond butter, chia seeds and dried blueberries, these cookies offer a hefty dose of fiber to keep you feeling full, as well as healthy fats and plant-based protein for lasting energy.

View Recipe

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Naturally sweetened with dates, this breakfast delivers sweet and creamy flavors that make it feel like dessert. Peanut butter adds plant-based protein and healthy fats, while oats and dates offer fiber to keep you satisfied.

View Recipe

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl

This cottage cheese bowl is loaded with capers, dill and a soft-cooked egg for the ultimate high-protein meal. This bowl will keep you going strong throughout the morning, while an egg adds richness and even more staying power.

View Recipe