Events

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 6:00pm, at the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans, the 2010 Weight Loss Challenge will host its second, open to the general public, Discussion Panel, and its third Contestant Weigh-In.  Remember, last month the panel was cancelled due to the Saints Parade. The guest speakers from February have been rescheduled for March. Special guest speakers for the night will include:

The Fit Gourmet, Chef Dione Duhon: Discussing the importance of having a fully stocked pantry with it comes to making diets work. Visit www.fitgourmetofneworleans.com for more information.

Executive Chef from Ralph’s on the Park, Chef Chip Flanagan: Discussing different cooking techniques to lower the calories in your meal and how to make healthy choices when dining out.

Executive Chef from Oceana Grill, Chef Louis Brown: Discussing different cooking techniques to lower the calories in your meal and how to make healthy choices when dining out.

Creator of Bayou Brew, Renee Brown: Discussing the importance of natural ingredients and the harmful effects of artificial preservatives.

From the Mind-Body Center of Louisiana, Melinda “Mindy” Milam, L.C.S.W.: Discussing staying mentally healthy when it comes to dieting and weight loss and some of the pressures that go with it.

NO/AIDS Taskforce’s Behavioral Health Therapist, Juliet Clayton, LCSW: Discussing how Good Mental Health Leads to a More Fulfilling and Happier Life.

Odyssey House’s and NO/AIDS Taskforce’s Substance Abuse Clinician, Kristin D. MacRae, MSW, GSW, DMHC, LAC: Discussing addictions and mental blocks concerning weight loss.

Salire Fitness’ Life Coach Nolan Ferraro: Discussing Keeping Your Head on Straight When Losing Weight: Maintaining Balance in Your Life.

This is really a great opportunity for people to gain some great insight and get the chance to ask experts some questions.

When: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 8pm
Where: LGBT Community Center of New Orleans (2114 Decatur Street)
What: Weigh in and Panel Discussion

Yesterday we attended the Lakeview Christian Center Wellness Fair 2010…and we were pleasantly surprised by how well organized the event was.  Parked outside of the Center was the Elmwood “On the Move – Driving to Fight Childhood Obesity” Bus.  This unique program is designed to give school children ages 9-13 an opportunity to learn about health and fitness in a non-competitive environment. Inside the bus is a fitness center designed for children – check the Elmwood Fitness Center Website for more information.

Inside the Lakeview Christian Center we were welcomed by a staff (church members) who were excited, and happy to see us and tell us all about what was available for us to see and take part in.  They had 36 vendors that made up the Wellness Fair to include a station to get your Blood Pressure taken for free and Cholesterol screening from The Blood Center: Blood Mobile & Free Cholesterol Screening. Also in attendance was Salire Fitness, BestRD Wellness (nutritionist), Advance Medical Care and Wellness, DHH/OAAS/Adult Protective Services, Elderly Protective Services, Louisiana Chiropractic Center, Alzheimers Association of GNO and the American Cancer Society to name a few.

From 10:00 am to 3pm they hosted some wonderful free seminars for attendees which included: Tulane hospital discussing Childhood Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes, Rose Dermatology discussed Skin Cancer, and LSU Radiolody has a seminar of Mammogram, When and & Why.

We spoke with Pete Schefferstein the Church Administrator and Wellness Fair Organizer to find out more about the Fair and why the Lakeview Christian Center decided to put on this event. As it turns out, Pete used to be quite an unhealthy fellow – as he puts it “a typical New Orleanian” and his wake-up call came when his doctor told him that he was close to being diabetic and unless he made some changes, he would have to take medicine for diabetics.

Speaking with Pete was an eye opener.  To hear him say that for him; not being able to bend down to pick something up, or not being able to walk up a flight of stair or walk around the block and that living with all the discomfort of bad health seemed perfectly normal was very surreal. It’s hard to comprehend that some people have never known or experienced living a normal “healthy” life.

However, when his doctor told him if he kept going the way he was he would be diabetic – Pete decided to change his lifestyle.  Since then, Pete has lost over 100 pounds.  He enlisted the help of his son who designed a program for him based on the Men’s Health TNT.  After losing 40lbs, Pete was finally able to use a treadmill.  Pete was exercising for the first time in his life.

Pete said to us “When you’re overweight, you don’t really realize how much everything is such a chore – like bending down to pick something up, traveling…how embarrassing it is to ask the stewardess on a plane for a buckle extension”

Since losing the weight and making life changes/establishing a new healthy lifestyle, Pete became more aware of the members in his church community who also needed help and assistance.  He commented on how difficult being overweight is on the families in the community; “People are losing jobs because the can’t perform their duties.” That’s when the Lakeview Christian Center became involved in helping their community become healthier.  Every six weeks they run a Biggest Loser Challenge to encourage members to get involve, participate in learning new things about nutrition and exercise and support each other in losing weight.

They bring in other members of the community who are nutritionists, trainers, nurses and doctors to speak on health issues.  It’s really fabulous what the Lakeview Christian Center have started and how they are supporting their community.

Kids ReThink New Orleans – in healthier and more efficient ways than the grown-ups did.

You may or may not have heard of a group of New Orleans school kids called “Kids ReThink New Orleans.” This diverse group of forward-thinking students has been ReThinking how to make New Orleans schools healthier since Hurricane Katrina.

“Give us fresh, tasty food,” explained ReThinker Daizha Sanders in a 2008 Press Conference.

“We want as little highly processed food as possible.  High processed food is bad for us and it makes us sick. Keep preservatives, chemicals and highly sweetened food to a minimum.”

Read the blog post: Thou Shalt Not Spork behind the video on Center For Ecoliteracy

And they’ve been nationally recognized by media outlets such as Nick News and Rachael Ray.

“We just got back from a speaking engagement at the Georgia Organics Conference – four Rethinkers gave presentations on their work making school food more healthy, local and delicious,” said Mallory Falk, who is part of the ReThink staff.

“On the mental health side, we’re exploring the concept of restorative justice.  We believe that holding circles where the community can come together and discuss a conflict is a much healthier, more healing process than many traditional forms of discipline,” she explained.

With a Nationwide Obesity Epidemic; we owe it to this amazing group of kids to help them out because they are doing something to not only help themselves but create positive chance in New Orleans.

Rethink Benefit at Dante’s Kitchen

What: Benefit to support the great work that Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools

When: Tuesday, March 2^nd

Time: 6 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Dante’s Kitchen 736 Dante Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

For details and to reserve a ticket, please visit http://www.therethinkers.com/food-benefit/ or contact Jane at jane@therethinkers.org.

Be Fit Nola will continue to follow and blog about the work of this remarkable group of kids.

You can read more about the ReThinkers projects, including their 12 Recommendations for Public School Cafeterias on their website

New Orleans is showing her prowess and ability to compete amongst any city in the world on all levels (yet, again) with tomorrow’s Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon.

As the Times-Picayune reported:

On Sunday morning, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & Half-Marathon will draw more than 15,000 entrants from all 50 states and 18 countries…New Orleans-area athletes comprised about 16 percent of the field. Seventy-two percent, officials said, will arrive from outside Louisiana.

Live music will accompany the field. Twenty-four stages will be constructed that will host 35 bands playing throughout the event’s duration. A festival starting at 6 p.m. at City Park will mark the day’s close.

And here is something that no other ½ Marathons have been honored with from Running-Advice.com

New Orleans, LA -– This Sunday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will showcase perhaps the most dynamic half-marathon duel ever staged on American soil. 2008 Olympic Marathon gold medalist and half marathon world record holder Sammy Wanjiru will battle head-to-head against fellow Kenyan and three-time London Marathon champion Martin Lel.

New Orleans attracts world class athletes to compete in her streets and battle it out.   This is the kind of news and information to talk about when you talk about New Orleans to other people.  This is very positive PR for our city.

This evening from 7-10 pm in the Courtyard of the Maison Dupuy is the Grand Opening of the French Quarter Wine Festival. Over 50 wines from the many wineries featured in this year’s festival will be displayed and available to be sipped and well matched with some delicious appetizers from Chef Michael Farrell.

We figured that the Grand Opening on the French Quarter Wine Festival would an excellent time to discuss the pro and cons of wine and what people often refer to as the “Health Benefits” of drinking wine.

Nothing that follows is meant to obscure the fact that prolonged excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to one’s health.

Many studies investigated the benefits of red wine suggested that moderate amount of red wine (one drink a day for women (5 oz) and two drinks ( 10 oz) a day for men) lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by ~ 30 to 50 percent. It is also suggested that alcohol such as red wine may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered from one.

Other studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming. Red wine may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. Indeed, studies showed that people from the Mediterranean region who regularly drank red wine have lower risks of heart disease

What’s in Red Wine that is good for the heart?

Red wine is a particularly rich source of antioxidants flavonoid phenolics, so many studies to uncover a cause for red wine’s effects have focused on its phenolic constituents, particularly resveratrol and the flavonoids. Resveratrol, found in grape skins and seeds, increases HDL cholesterol and prevent blood clotting. Flavonoids, on the other hand, exhibit antioxidant properties helping prevent blood clots and plaques formation in arteries.

(Source: HealthCastle.com)

People with Diabetes or High Triglycerides: One downside to wine consumption is that it can elevate triglyceride levels, which is associated with health problems such as diabetes.  Those who already have high triglycerides should, therefore, avoid or dramatically limit their wine (and alcohol) consumption.

Women Be Extra Aware (CNN Health)

Attention red wine drinkers: Drinking moderate amounts of any kind of alcohol (including wine, beer, and liquor) is associated with a slightly increased breast cancer risk — and the rosy-hued beverage is no exception…

… researchers looked at 6,327 women with breast cancer and 7,558 women who did not have a cancer diagnosis. Risk rose with the amount of alcohol consumed, no matter whether it was wine, beer or liquor. The heaviest drinkers — women who reported having 14 or more drinks a week — were 24 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than nondrinkers… Lighter drinkers who consumed about a drink or two a day (7 to 13.9 drinks per week) were 11 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than women who didn’t drink at all.

Conclusion

Drinking in moderation is paramount.  While attending the French Quarter Wine Festival – be sure to take small sips of the wines you elect to taste…as a matter of fact it’s not unheard of to sniff, sip n’ spit at wine tastings.  “Wet your palettes” without swallowing.

Wine is also full of empty calories…so for the sake of your waist line – do keep it within 10 oz for men and no more than 5 oz for women. Five ounces white or red wine = approximately 120 calories.  Drink a bottle of wine (4 glasses), and you’ll be consuming about 480 calories (that’s the equivalent of two 20-ounce Cokes!).

Great Informational Video with more information

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Last night I attended an event for the LGBT Community Center 2010 Weight Loss Challenge at Oceana Grill.  (Oceana is a sponsor of the contest) Although you will not find any items on the Oceana menu that is under 700 calories, the Oceana Executive Chef – Chef Louis Brown prepared a special menu for the contestants.

The menu was as followed:

Appetizer:

The Famous Oceana Crab Cake Seared and served on top of Creole Mustard.

Entree:

Baked Ahi Tuna in fresh herbs layered over angel hair pasta tossed in a lemon garlic sauce, topped with fresh bell peppers.

Dessert:

Fruit medley

The seared crab cake was heavenly.  When Chef Louis presented his crab cake he explained how searing the crab cake in olive oil instead of putting them in a batter and frying them made a difference of 610 calories.  The seared crab cake only had 112 calories – as opposed to 722.

That was another great part of the meal, Chef Louis, as you can imagine, is a very busy man at Oceana but he took the time to explain each dish to the contestants, answer questions and share pointers.  He really drove home the importance and value of eating white meat and white fish (fish that turns white when cooked) such as what was part of our main course – Ahi Tuna.

Chef Louis opted to bake rather than sear the tuna, the spices he used and the parmesan cheese topping really did the trick.  Chef Louis chose to serve angel hair pasta since that is the lightest pasta option the restaurant carries.

For dessert the contestants and guests enjoyed a fruit medley.  Not one person sitting at the table got up feeling hungry and everyone was pleased and satisfied.  The point was well made that just because you are eating healthy and watching your calorie intake – that does not mean you have to be dissatisfied with what you are eating.

I wish Oceana Grill would choose to have these items on their regular menu…so others who live in New Orleans and come to visit could enjoy a healthy meal under 700 calories.

This was my first time meeting the contestants and hearing their story.  They are truly an inspirational group.  I plan on doing a Question and Answer session with each contestant so you can find out about them and learn from their story.  This contest has been a real commitment for all the contestants who have lost a combined weight of 50 pounds or 13% overall body weight.

The next event for the contestant that is open to the public is an upcoming panel discuss on March 9^th at the LGBT Community Center.  I will post more information about it in the next couple of days.

It’s New Orleans…so to ask people to not drink beer – is well, unrealistic and stupid.  What we can expect is that people drink responsibly, in moderation and preferably beer that will have a smaller impact on their mid-section.

Quite honestly, I was pretty taken back last year watching the participants from The Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans kick back Abita beers after the race.  After seeing that last year – I’m not shocked to find out their will be alcohol consumption this weekend at the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon (1/2) and at the Health and Fitness Expo (this is such an oxymoron).

I received a Press Release on MGD 64, the beer sponsor of the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon (we get nothing for posting this information) and although I debated not posting it – like I stated above, to ask people to not drink beer at all is ludicrous, so I might as well give you information to convince you to choose a light beer.

Again, we do not encourage or promote beer consumption.  This is not the full release.

MGD 64 Lightens Things Up

Brand To Reward 64^th Place Racers with Exclusive Prize Packs at First-Ever

Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½ Marathon

As the official beer sponsor of the 2010 Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½ Marathon, MGD 64 is adding a little fun and excitement for runners by awarding an exclusive prize pack to the 64^th place marathon finishers.

Proving that everyone can appreciate the reward of an MGD 64, the brand will gift exclusive prize packs to the 64^th place finishers* in each of the thirteen age categories.  Winners will receive a gift pack with branded MGD 64 apparel, a pedometer, a subscription to Triathlete Magazine, Inside Triathlon or VeloNews, and other great items.

“MGD 64 compliments the lifestyle of today’s active consumers,” said Tristi Pfeiffer, MGD 64 marketing manager. “By recognizing the 64^th place finishers, we have the opportunity to show participants that no matter where they finish, the fresh, crisp taste of MGD 64 is always the perfect reward.”

Not limiting the excitement to race participants alone, MGD 64 will be hosting an area at the pre-race Health & Fitness Expo at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center where legal-drinking-age consumers can receive product information and samples of the 64-calorie beer.  MGD 64 also will offer a race-day cheering section located approximately 0.64 miles before the finish line, providing spectators the perfect spot to grab some giveaway items and give that final push of encouragement to runners.

… With just 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates, MGD 64 has steadily grown in popularity with calorie-conscious consumers since it launched nationally in the summer of 2008…

Admittedly, the MGD64 Website is kinda cool – they have a calorie counter that lets you see 64 Calories of your favorite drinks.

Next weekend – it’s all about health and fitness in New Orleans! The Rock N’ Roll Marathon Series is coming to town for the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½. Thousands of runners are ready to go (note: registration closes today, if you’re interested in running and not yet registered.)

As part of the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½; there’s also a Health and Fitness Expo.  Here are the details:

For two days, over 60 exhibitors will offer free samples, showcase the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health & nutritional information and much more.  Pick up some last-minute race essentials before race day and be sure to visit the Brooks Official Merchandise Store to check out the wide selection of stylish souvenirs to commemorate your Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras experience.

The Health & Fitness Expo is FREE and open to the public so bring your family and friends!

• Dates: February 26-27, 2010
• Location: New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Hall C
• Expo Hours: Friday 11:30 am – 7:00 pm;  Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Free Admission: Open to the public

But I did say, there are TWO health fairs happening this weekend.  The other is being hosted by Lakeview Christian Center. There are offering free seminars from 10:30 am – 2:30pm; and have a long list of local exhibitors.  Check-out their website for more information.

• Dates: February 27^th, 2010
• Location: Lakeview Christian Center, 5885 Fleur de Lis Drive
• Expo Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Free Admission: Open to the public

Also happening next week is Tulane University Prevention Research Center seminar on “The Role of Public Policy in Obesity Prevention” presented by Joseph Thompson, M.D.,  Director, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity Director, and Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Surgeon General, State of Arkansas.

• Dates: February 26, 2010
• Location: Tidewater Room 1208 – 1440 Canal St
• Hours: 12-1pm
• Free Admission: Open to the public

Mardi Gras 1/2 Marathon 2007

In 2007, I had taken up running to spend more time with my dad. He loves to run and I thought no better way to spend time with him then to do something active and healthy. I was NOT a long distance runner by any means but decided to become one for my dad. I use to run your occasional 5k or 10k for fun, but nothing like 13.1 miles (1/2 Marathon).  Well in February of 2007 I ran my first ever Mardi Gras 1/2 Marathon with my dad.

After completing my first 1/2 Marathon my dad asked me if I would be willing to train for a full marathon (26.2 miles) He said I could pick any destination I wanted to run and he would do it with me. Well of course, Maui popped into my head VACATION!!!! Then I thought about running in the 85 degree heat and that soon my excitement started to fade. Finally I decided and picked the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.  In October 2008, I completed my 1st Marathon with my dad, who is my inspiration. All 26.2 miles of it!!!

Matt, 35, Metairie

I just started running again recently and hadn’t ran since grammar school.  I usually ride bikes but I was getting bored with doing the same thing and I was looking for a way to burn more calories in a shorter period of time.  I started off just running a mile or two after work.  Each time I ran I would try to push myself a little bit further. I like the idea that running is just you and the ground.  Besides shoes and water, there is no other equipment you have to worry about. Everything else I do in life requires the best and usually the most expensive gear.  With running,  as long as you have a decent pair of shoes you are good to go.  After building up the endurance to run several miles I just wanted to see how far I could go.  I wanted to do the Mardi Gras half marathon to set a goal for myself and follow through with it.  I like having events to look forward to.  Luckily I got to train with a group.  This is the only reason I made it through my long runs. In the beginning I didn’t have the mental or physical strength to run for more than 30 minutes.  Over the weeks I learned that if I believed I could do it in my head, my body would follow.

Stephanie, 32, Metairie

I chose to train for the 1/2 marathon just to prove to myself that I could.  I never considered myself a runner and before this I had never ran more than one mile.  I now realize that with a little motivation and training I can acheive whatever I put my mind to. I have learned that my body can physically endure the runs. I just have to keep a positive mental outlook to complete my goal.

Elizabeth, 27, New Orleans

I am not a person to turn down a challenge. When the challenge came to train for the half marathon, I was willing to accept. I was very unsure that I could even do this being that I had never run in my life. Now through the encouragement of my team, I feel like I am ready to complete the challenge.

February 28th 2010 is the 1st ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & 1/2 Marathon and will be my group’s 1st time running a 1/2 Marathon. I can not express the excitement and pride I feel about what my team is about to accomplish. I can not wait for them to cross that finish line. I told them from the beginning and it still holds true “There will be no man or woman left behind” and I mean it. We started this journey as a team and we will finish as a team.

In a 2008 New York Times article about the Half Marathon becoming the hottest new distance in running, it estimates that 650,000 people completed half marathons in the US in 2007. A Google search of the US population for 2007 gives a result of 301M total people. This would make the percentage of half-marathon finishers less than 1%.

It is truly an accomplishment in and of itself and I can’t wait to experience it with such an AMAZING group of people….and of course…… my dad who will be right by my side every step of the way.

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Emily Eoff received her M.S., in Health and Exercise Science from Louisiana Tech University, as well as, her B.S. in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. She also holds her personal training and group fitness instructor certificates from some of the leading certification programs in the country. As a motivator, role model, and leader, Emily brings nine years of experience in the health and fitness industry to her XLR8 Fitness business.

Update: This Event was CANCELED due to the Saints Parade and will be re-scheduled. Stay tuned for details.

There is a very special event going-on tomorrow night…besides the Parade for our New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Champs – it’s the LGBT Community Center 2010 Weight Loss Challenge’s February Weigh In and Discussion Panel.

The LGBT Community Center of New Orleans’ 2010 Weight Loss Challenge kicked off on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at the Community Center on Decatur Street with the contestants’ initial weigh-in.  It was an amazing day for the contestants and included meeting all of the Weight Loss Challenge’s sponsors, the LGBT Community Center’s Board of Directors and each other.  The Challenge has officially started with a total of nine contestants.

The contenders are competing against each other for prizes all while losing weight that they have tried so hard in the past to lose and have been unsuccessful. The goal of 2010 Weight Loss Challenge is to assist each contestant to lose the most percentage of body weight in a stable and healthy manner. The Center is optimistic that it will be successful in changing the way that all involved, including the entire New Orleans Community, looks at themselves as it pertains to their health. Throughout the duration of the contest, the public will be given an opportunity to follow the contestants in their struggle to reach their individual goals.

When: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 8pm
Where: LGBT Community Center of New Orleans (2114 Decatur Street)
What: Weigh in and Panel Discussion

You definitely have time to make both the parade and this event – which is open and free to the public.

The panelists and items of discussions are:

Nutritionist, Ginger Bouvier: Discussing the proper dieting techniques to fit your lifestyle.

The Fit Gourmet, Chef Dione Duhon: Discussing the importance of having a fully stocked pantry with it comes to making diets work.

Executive Chef from Ralph’s on the Park, Chef Chip Flanagan: Discussing different cooking techniques to lower the calories in your meal and how to make healthy choices with dining out.

Corporate Executive Chef for Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, Chef Haley Gabel Bittermann: Discussing different cooking techniques to lower the calories in your meal and how to make healthy choices with dining out.

The general public will be allowed to ask the panelists questions and interact with the contestants. Be Fit NOLA will be there and we hope you will too…this is such a great opportunity to discuss healthy eating habits.