Healthy Mexican food demo

At his lowest point, chef Leoncio Heredia weighed 295 pounds. After work, he would habitually drink a gallon of vodka and eat two takeout pizzas with a little cocaine in between. After realizing that this lifestyle was unsustainable, he made a change by crafting plant-based meals to help him eat smaller portions. Five months later, he had lost 100 pounds. Now, he boasts 300 regular customers for his meal program and 53,000 Instagram followers. On July 1, the weekly Oak Park Farmers Market in McClatchy Park (3500 Fifth Avenue) will give Heredia $50 to purchase produce. Then, starting at 10 a.m., he’ll prepare his ingredients, demonstrate a couple of techniques and whip up some healthy Mexican cuisine for the audience to taste. To see what Heredia can do (and get a little weight-loss inspiration), check him out on Instagram @chefboyarleezy.