If you’re into travel shows, surely you must have seen the incredible Man vs. Food series hosted by the charming Adam Richman. You may have seen him stuffing his mouth with those towering burgers and eating those buckets of spicy buffalo wings. It is a thrilling experience just to watch him complete those seemingly impossible food challenges. Ever since the show was first aired in 2008, audiences across the globe have been hooked to the food show.
What Adam’s Man vs Food teaches you about life
There are several food shows on television but few have garnered the love and popularity of Adam’s Man vs. Food. The show was a hit from the word go and the reruns are still going on strong. Somehow it managed to strike a chord with people everywhere and it became such a superhit series. People around the world were entertained and were able to relate to the show and its likable host. This makes us wonder – How did the show become such a phenomenon? What lessons can be drawn from the show and its host? What are the life lessons we can draw from Man vs. Food? In this article, we attempt to answer these questions and explore the world of this magnificent show.
1. Adam Richman: The gracious and affable host
The most attractive aspect of the show is its host – Adam Richman. He brought an unconventional presence to the world of food competitions. When other food shows were showing pompous, yelling chefs, Adam brought a touch of grace and fun to this world. His respectful nature, curious albeit witty conversations, and often funny mannerisms made him an instant household favorite. The show was fun to watch because of Adam. It was in stark contrast to the nervous contestants of other food shows running around to prepare the food to perfection. Audiences would be glued to the screen, holding their breath when Adam would reveal the food challenge.
Key Takeaway: Life is not meant to be taken too seriously. Have fun every once in a while. Develop a sense of humor and curiosity to build an attractive personality.
2. Tracing the journey of food
Another thing that made the show superhit was how it explored the journey of food. The show didn’t just cover a restaurant or food joint for the sake of good TV content. It was more than that. Adam would engage in a striking conversation with the owners and learn about their journey. It often sheds light on the incredible stories of these food establishments and the real people behind the extraordinary food. Richman had a natural curiosity about food and its origins. He even maintained a diary since 1995, noting down restaurants and foods he liked, much before he became the host of Man vs. Food.
Key Takeaway: To be a great connoisseur of food, it is necessary to appreciate the culinary history and diversity of the food you eat. The journey of your favorite food could take you to hitherto unknown places!
3. Nothing brings people closer than sharing food
Breaking bread together is the best way to build bonds. Adam’s Man vs. Food was a perfect example of this. Although Adam was at the center of the show initially and the latter mostly focused on him doing food challenges, you would often see people sharing a meal. In the last season, Adam took a step back and helped others finish the food challenge. There were hilarious moments during these challenges and people would have the time of their lives, going back home with fond memories.
Key Takeaway: If you want peace and to forge long-lasting community bonds, the best way to do it is by sharing food.
4. The importance of exercise
Behind the glitz and glamor of the screen, we often forget the struggles of people who we adore so much. The premise of the show was testing the limit of man as to how much he could eat. The very nature of Man vs. Food meant Adam had to eat a lot of food every day. He would exercise twice a day and underwent fasting during shooting breaks to avoid the strain on his body. This also took a toll on his mental health as he later admitted. However, he bounced back quickly and shed all those pounds gained during his stint as the host of Man vs. Food.
Key Takeaway: While it is important to enjoy the greatest creature comfort i.e. good food, it is even more important to take care of your health. The show was sort of a warning against gluttony and regulating your intake of fast food. It also emphasized the importance of exercise to stay on top of your physical and mental health.
5. Don’t shy away from a challenge
In Man vs Food, Adam was pitted against impossible food challenges. For instance, in the second episode of the first season, Adam had to eat the Sasquatch burger in Memphis, a monster burger that had 4 pounds of beef! He failed the challenge but picked himself up and won the next challenge – eating Atomic Hot Wings covered in a 150,000 SHU sauce.
Key Takeaway: Life throws up challenges all the time. You win some and you lose some. It’s important to take risks and you are bound to succeed.
Final Thoughts
If you talk about memorable food travel shows, Adam’s Man vs. Food comes right at the top. The show brought a refreshing perspective to food travel and Richman’s affable personality made it a worldwide hit. A deep look at the show makes you realize that it has great depth to it and contains some great life lessons.