Author Archive

Tour de Lis is a run, ride and walk that benefits the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  It’s not a race – it’s a run/ride/walk with a purpose – to raise funds for and awareness about cancer survival, support, and research-to celebrate survivors and support those still in battle.

When: Saturday, May 08, 2010 @ 8:00 a.m.
Where: City Park, Behind Tad Gormley Stadium

The inaugural Tour de Lis in April 2007 raised $40,000 and featured five riders who cycled 150 miles around Lake Pontchartrain. In 2008, they created a community-wide event and in 2009, Tour de Lis raised over $198,000 for the beneficiary organizations:

The Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO), prides itself in protecting and defending the community against cancer through education, outreach, and research. CAGNO’s patient services program provides vital prescription medications, transportation and other necessities to cancer patients who otherwise would have to do without.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation programs provide financial support and capacity-building to community-centered initiatives that address the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer survivorship.

(Click on Image to make a Donation and help Tour de Lis meet their goal)

The goal of the Tour de Lis is to provide a ride, walk or run that is safe, fun, non-competitive and open to all levels of athletic ability, while bringing cancer awareness to the community and raising funds for organizations that are in the forefront of Cancer Survivor Support.

Participants include cancer survivors celebrating life, family and friends who want to honor a loved one affected by cancer, or in memory of a loved one who lost the battle. Tour de Lis unites people who are passionate about cancer survival, knowledge and support. Join us for Tour de Lis to celebrate hope, strength, love and remembrance.

Registration Fees:

Bike Registration: $35
5K Run/Walk Registration: $25
Combo Bike and 5K Run/Walk Registration: $40

Final Date to Register: Thursday, May 06, 2010 @ 11:59 PM

Click here to Register

Yesterday, I attended 1 one of the 3 Transition New Orleans Recreation Task Force Public Meetings – held by the New Orleans Recreation Department Citizens Advisory Panel (NORDcap). The goal of NORDcap is to provide recommendations for the development of high quality, broad-based playgrounds, facilities, programs and services creating a sense of community, enabling a safe and secure environment, and enhancing New Orleans’ quality of life.

By far the biggest thing that clearly stood out last night is how extremely passionate the citizens of New Orleans are about improving recreational opportunities and facilities because of how critical it is to the proper formation of our youths.

Coaches, parents, children and communities leaders stood up one by one; taking their 2 minutes and 30 seconds to express their concerns, disappointment, and burning desire to see changes in NORD and to see community parks, facilities and programs returned and be properly managed.

In the last five years, since Katrina, it’s clear that the citizens of the city, the parents, coaches, booster clubs and volunteers have put forth the efforts, the money, the time, love, and care in reviving the parks, and organizing the programs.  The citizens of New Orleans are heart broken by the recent raise of violence and are demanding change and better opportunities, and programs for the kids in the city.

The members of the NORDcap chaired by Rod West, CEO, Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Roy Glapion, Founder and past President, Citywide Testing & Inspections, Inc., listened carefully, took notes and have a big job to fill in making the best possible recommendations to Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

To find out more about the New Orleans Recreation Task Force I recommend listening to the New Orleans Recreation Department Citizens Advisory Panel presentation to the New Orleans City Council, August 28, 2009 – Rod West clearly articulates the current situation, the issues that need to be addressed, the challenges ahead, and mission NORDcap has undertaken.

I personally stood up last night, stepped to the microphone and expressed that as the parks and recreation centers are revived, it’s critical that the entire family and community is taken into account. As the CEO of Be Fit NOLA – what I’ve discovered is how many people have no access to any kinds of facilities or ability to exercise and workout.  I do believe it’s critical to setup programs for kids but it’s also imperative to give parents access to exercise programs and equipment.  Lets setup Green Gyms in our parks…lets invest in the health of the citizens in New Orleans by providing parks and recreation centers that support all – people of all ages.

I really hope that amazing things will happen in the next few years…real change, real improvement, real innovation.

Transition New Orleans is holding a series of community meetings to gather public input on the opportunities and challenges facing New Orleans.

Chaired by Rod West, CEO, Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Roy Glapion, Founder and past President, Citywide Testing & Inspections, Inc., the Recreation Task Force will recommend ways for the incoming administration to create a best-in-class and sustainable system of recreational activities in New Orleans.

Please join the Recreation Task Force to provide input on how New Orleans can build a world-class recreation system that enhances the quality of life of all residents. The public’s input will be considered by the Recreation Task Force as they make recommendations to Mayor-elect Landrieu.

Come and share your ideas – last meeting is Thursday, April 15th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Dryades YMCA
2220 Oretha C Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70113

I’m far from being a serious cyclist of any kind – but I do love to ride my bike particularly right now with how wonderful the weather is/has been. Riding my bike makes me feel good; I know by riding I’m doing something good for my health and something good for the environment.

I’m working on finding a true cyclist to blog for Be Fit NOLA but I haven’t had much luck thus far.  However, in the meanwhile, I want to share the resources and information I have come across in relation to Cycling in New Orleans.  I have divided the information by Advocates – organization working to improve the cycling experience in New Orleans, Clubs – A place to find other cyclists and people to ride with and Providers – where to buy, rent or take a bicycle tour.

Advocates

The Metro Bicycle Coalition is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving commuting and recreational cycling conditions in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. MBC works to increase transportation choice, mobility, and infrastructure by establishing a safe network of bicycle lanes, paths and facilities, educating cyclists and drivers on safety and the rules of the road, and advocating at local, state and national levels for routine accommodation of bicyclists and pedestrians.

Another must check-out site is NOLACycle, Bike Map Project.  NolaCycle is a project aimed to create a high quality cycling map of New Orleans. Cycling maps include information beyond just streets and their names that benefits cyclists. In our map, we highlight the pavement quality, car travel speed, lane width, and special caution areas (busy intersections, man-eating potholes, or high accident areas). Volunteers help to collect this data by attending mapping events.  Please consider volunteering and be sure to have a look at the NOLACycle Map before heading out on your bike.

Where Ya’ Rack? is a Young Leadership Council initiative.  Our objective is to provide unique and secure bicycle parking throughout New Orleans to encourage cycling for commuting, short trips, and errands. We are also a community of citizens and cyclists and who feel safe and secure bicycle parking can enhance New Orleans.

Cycling Clubs

Crescent City Cyclists is the oldest and largest bicycle touring club in the New Orleans area. The CCC was founded in August 1977 to provide bicycling activities for its members, to educate its members in the rules of safe bicycling, and to promote bicycling as a recreational and sports activity as well as an alternative mode of transport

New Orleans Bicycle Club (NOBC) is dedicated to promoting bicycling, with the emphasis on bicycle racing, in the Greater New Orleans area.  The NOBC was founded in 1968, and remains at the forefront of competitive cycling activity.

New Orleans Metro Area Mountain Bike Organization (NOMAMBO) was formed in March 2003, under partnership with the Corps of Engineers and sanctioned by IMBA (International Mountain Bike Organization) to build a multi-use trail system (hiking/biking) at the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway in Norco, LA.

Providers

Bayou Bicycles
Bicycle World
Bicycle Michael’s
Joy Ride Bike Rentals
Big Easy Bike ToursConfederacy of CruisersNinth Ward Rebirth Bike Tours

We all like life to be simple, right?!? When it comes to health, nutrition, diet and exercise – a lot of people get easily confused by contradictory reports, and broad explanations.  I keep encountering people who just want straight answers and options.

Well…I’ve got something good for you today courtesy of Ochsner and Rouses.  Now, mind you, this list does not obligate you to shop at Rouses…

What is this list?!?  Ochsner nutritionist Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD has handpicked a list of groceries guaranteed to boost the quality of your diet. By filling your shopping cart with these items, you’ll be reducing or eliminating your intake of saturated and trans fats and processed carbohydrates, and increasing whole grain, protein-rich and vitamin/mineral-rich foods in your diet.

The list is separated by produce, meat, dry food, condiments & sauces, poultry & eggs, dairy, seafood and so on.  This is an extremely thorough and helpful list.

You can find the the full list at Choose Healthy Grocery List - here is a look at what’s on the list.

Hot and Cold Cereals
Cold
Kellogg’s Special K Protein Plus
Post Brand Flakes
Post Shredded Wheat: original
Post Shredded Wheat: spoon size
Quaker Crunchy Corn bran…

Bread
Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat Bagel
Pepperidge Farm Natural Whole Grain 15 Bread
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain English Muffin (100% whole wheat)
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal Bread
Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain 100% Whole Wheat Bagel
Thomas Hearty Whole Wheat Mini-Bagel…

Frozen Vegetables
Edamame
Ore-Ida Roasted Potatoes: Original
Best Yet: green peppers, cut-leaf spinach, lima beans, cut okra, broccoli, cut carrots, collard greens, black eye peas, butter beans
Pict Sweet: carrots, butter beans, purple-hulled peas, sliced yellow squash, mixed greens, chopped turnip

Canned Goods
StarKist Chunk Lite Tuna in Water
Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon
StarKist Yellowfin Tuna Fillets (Pouches)
Hormel Breast of Chicken in Water
BlueRunner Creole Cream-style Red Beans
BlueRunner Creole Cream-style Navy Beans

Rice, Dried Beans, Pasta
Basmati Rice: All brands
Brown Rice: All brands
Dried Beans (pinto, kidney, navy, lima, black-eyed, etc.)
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Whole Grain Pasta
HeartLand 100% Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Barilla Plus Spaghetti & Penne Pasta

Print out the list and make your grocery shopping off of that list – choose recipes that use the ingredients on that list and eat in moderation.  Continue to read the blogs posts from our wonderful registered dietitians Lauren and Steve, for more tips, information and nutritional advice.  We do like to keep things simple around here!

It almost feels like we are rotating between world class races and music festivals from one weekend to the next.  With French Quarter Fest coming to an end today – it’s time for a race…so next Sunday, New Orleans will host the Ochsner 70.3 Ironman.  Last year, the race broke a world record for being the largest 70.3 in the world. What do we mean by 70.3?!?  Well, this race is definitely not a walk in the park; it’s a grueling combination of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run = 70.3 miles.  The race will start at the UNO Research and Technology Park and end in Jackson Square. The award ceremony will be held at Woldenberg Park.

(Click on images for larger image)

Swim 1.2 Miles

Bike 56 Miles

Run 13.1 Miles

I couldn’t confirm the race was sold out, only 3,000 participants are allowed, but registration for the race is closed. This is the kind of race that requires a lot of preparation.  You don’t wake-up in the morning and decide to run an Ironman.  You need to train properly and invest the money in the right equipment…normally getting a racing bike is the biggest expense.

New Orleans will once again host a list of world class athletes for this event: Last year’s champions, Brent McMahon (a former Canadian Olympian) and Natscha Badmann of Switzerland are returning. Also, Australian Chris McCormack (who has won 11 Ironman titles and been named Triathlete of the Year four times) will make a repeat visit. Other seasoned pros signed on include Rasmus Henning from Denmark and U.S. racers Andy Potts and Joanna Zeiger.

Also, just like the other race events – there is going to be an Expo two days prior to the race.  The Health and Fitness Expo will feature a wide variety of multi-sport products, apparel, as well as healthy lifestyle goods and services. The expo is being held at the Hilton New Orleans on Friday April 16th, 10am-6:30pm and Saturday April 17th, 9am-7pm.

Time to wrap things up on the home workout portion of the affordable workouts in New Orleans blog series.  Saving money is almost synonymous with proper prior preparation. Just like you’ll save money by cooking your own meals and taking your lunch in from home to work – in order to get an adequate workout at home, it will require solid proper prior preparation.

For a quick review…in the last post on this topic, we discussed establishing structure by: setting a workout schedule, establishing your home gym, ensuring your write out your weekly workout plan, investing in the proper equipment you will need, setting realistic goals and including activities like walking, running and biking into your routine.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Routines

If you aren’t ready to invest the time in creating your own routines – the best thing to do is to get the right home workout video series.  An example of a great workout series we discussed in the past is P90X. Between paying for the DVDs and the equipment you’ll need – the cost will be approximately $300.

If you want to truly create your own routine…than you can do so for free or very little money with websites like:

Exercise TV: What I like about Exercise TV is that they will put a workout routine together for you and break it down from day to day. I’m a little hesitant to say that following their guidelines is enough…but it’s certainly a good start.

yogadownload.com: Yogadownload.com is a great way for you to include yoga to your DIY routines. Many of the 20 minute workouts are free to download and the cost to download longer videos is very inexpensive.

Don’t Weight To Lose YouTube Channel: Our own local motivator Jacques Courseault created a series of workout videos that you can do with just using a resistance band – which counts as resistance training.

SparksPeople YouTube Channel: To be honest, there are a lot of various workout channels on YouTube – so if you take the time to check them out; you’ll be able to line up the workouts you need to put a good routine together for FREE.

Creating your DIY Routines

1. Watch and Tag Videos – watch a lot of videos of various lengths to know exactly what the video will require of you, the intensity of the workouts and whether or not you would enjoy doing the workout(s). Tag all the videos accordingly, i.e. high intensity cardio, yoga routine, low intensity cardio, bicep, shoulder and back workout…etc.  You might actually want to use a bookmarking site to do this.

2. Mix and Match – Start planning your routines by mix and matching your videos.  If you are trying to lose weight, than you need to be doing 40-60 minutes of cardio…preferably 5 times a week and resistance training 3 times a week. Remember…add going for a walk, run or long bike ride in your routines.

Example One Week DIY Routine:

Monday – 3 miles run/walk (depending on your level of fitness), abs workout video

Tuesday – (2) 20 minutes workout videos medium intensity and arms and back resistance workout

Wednesday – Rest Day

Thursday – 1 hour of yoga video and abs workout video

Friday – Bike ride and shoulders resistance workout

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – (2) 25 minutes workout videos ((1) high intensity (1) low intensity) and calves, legs resistance workout, abs workout

Yes…I know – that is a lot of planning!! But that’s what it takes to save money by working out at home.

Come out this Saturday for the Sankofa Marketplace; children’s activities, farmers market with fresh produce and wild caught Louisiana shrimp, local entertainment, community resources, health screenings, and health resources. Held on the second Saturday of every month, Sankofa Marketplace takes place from 1pm – 4pm at the corner of Caffin and St. Claude in the Lower Ninth Ward (Parking Lot of All Souls Episcopal Church.)  The upcoming dates for spring and summer months are: April 10 – May 8 – June 12 – July 10 and August 14^th. This is such a great opportunity to get fresh produce in a place where it’s really hard to get them!

The Sankofa Marketplace was created by a coalition of artists, community groups, churches,and small business based in the Lower 9th Ward to stimulate economic development and community revitalization.  Started in August of 2008, the Market was created because of the absence of grocery stores in the neighborhood, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina flooding.  Almost 2 years later, not much has changed – residents still have to travel miles to the nearest grocery store elsewhere in New Orleans, or in Chalmette, or in St. Bernard Parish. Thankfully, the market is still going strong and perhaps once we have our new Mayor, we’ll see proper grocery stores coming to the area.

The Ujamaa Project:  Bring the Kids and Introduce Them to Fruits and Vegetables

The Ujamaa Project provides children with access to, and a positive experience with, fresh fruits and vegetables through visits to our Farmers Market and vegetable grill station. Children meet Sankofa Marketplace produce vendors and learn about the benefits and nutrition of vegetables and fruits through activities such as role play, drawing, printmaking, and imagination games. They also get to create artwork of their favorite vegetables and fruits. Children participating in the project’s activities also get a bag of fresh fruits and vegetables to take home and share with their families!

Introducing kids to fruits and vegetables in a fun, interactive and hands-on approach is a fabulous way to get kids interested and willing to give fruits and vegetables a try.  Getting kids to eat fruits and vegetables is critical for their current and future health.

Some screenings are also available:

• Free private HIV screenings in the NOAIDS Task Force mobile van.
• HIV and STD health information by St John #5 Camp Ace HIV Program

National Kidney Foundation Calls Chronic Kidney Disease Growing Public Health Problem – FREE Screening in Marrero on April 10, 2010

When:           Saturday  -   April 10, 2010 from  8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Where:         St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church *  455 Ames Blvd. * Marrero

A limited number of participants will be screened. You may call (504) 861-4500 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for pre-registration guidelines and to obtain an appointment time.

Most Americans know that heart disease and cancer can be silent killers and understand that monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol and having regular mammograms are critical to protecting their health. Too few adults and not enough doctors realize, however, that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is another common, life-threatening illness that often goes undetected until very advanced when it could be diagnosed early through simple tests.  Twenty-six million Americans (1 in 9 adults) suffer from CKD and another 20 million are at risk.

Caught early, it can often be managed, and kidney damage can be slowed or stopped. The earlier CKD is detected, the better a person’s chances are of working successfully with his or her doctors to slow the loss of kidney function and avoid health problems. That’s why early testing for people at risk is so important.The National Kidney Foundation of LA will offer a FREE screening through its Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) for people at risk for CKD.  All participants will receive a series of FREE testing valued at over $320 to determine their kidney function and other health issues.  This includes blood   pressure reading, weight and waist measurements for body index, hemoglobin blood test for anemia, lipid panel for cholesterol and triglycerides, urine analysis for albumin to creatinine ratio, serum creatinine to measure how well kidneys are filtering blood and the estimated glomerular filtration rate  (eGFR) to measure the kidney function.

If you have high blood pressure and/or diabetes; or if your parents or siblings have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, then you qualify for a FREE kidney evaluation because you are at risk for developing chronic kidney disease.

For more information contact Julie Gable, Program Services Director National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (504) 861-4500

My Detox came to an end on Good Friday.  I lost no weight…which is quite surprising, all things considered (time spent on the toilet) but I stayed extremely well hydrated.  My gut tells me a lot of people probably lose mostly water weight while on a Detox. Read My Detoxing for an account of what happened while I was on the detox.

How do I feel? My body craves nothing anymore – no sugar, sweet, salt or fat food cravings.  What my head still craves however, quite a different story. I can’t say I’m particularly more energized but I do feel good and healthy.

So…since the Detox didn’t kill me and overall, I’m glad I did it. It’s not a miracle cure – it’s a cleanser. I’ve decided to go ahead with the Giveaway provided by Alison Soileau, district manager and independent consultant for Arbonne.

To be entered to win one of the Arbonne 7-Day SeaSource Detox – answer this question in the comment area: Why Detox? Let us know why you want to win and do a detox.  Deadline for entries is Saturday, April 17th at 9pm CST. We will randomly select and announce the winner April 18th.

Please, if you enter to win this giveaway – use it responsibly…follow the instructions and continue to eat real food (healthy food).