NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Ochsner Eat Fit and River Road Press together announce the release of The Eat Fit Cookbook; it will be available for purchase on October 22. Author Molly Kimball, registered dietitian and nutrition journalist, collaborated with award-winning chefs and restaurateurs to create crowd-pleasing, good-for-you recipes you can make at home. The Eat Fit Cookbook features more than 125 recipes, along with wellness tips and stories from chefs and foodies.
“The Eat Fit Cookbook is the culmination of years of collaboration, research and passion for creating a smarter way to indulge,” said Kimball. “Just as our team has worked to bring a healthier lifestyle into restaurants and local destinations, we want to make nutritious cooking and entertaining approachable in your own home. Our book features tricks and tools to stay healthy, and beautiful images and stories from local culinary icons.”
Ochsner Eat Fit was founded in 2013 to make nourishing, balanced meals more readily available in New Orleans restaurants. Kimball, nutrition manager for Ochsner Fitness Center, had already worked with the chefs at Commander’s Palace to incorporate healthier menu options there for 20+ years, and believed that other local restaurants would be interested, too. She worked with leaders at Ochsner Health System to create Ochsner Eat Fit, a nonprofit that would delight diners and improve health throughout the community. Eat Fit is now available in hundreds of restaurants in New Orleans. Now other cities are asking Molly to help them recreate this phenomenon in their cities. Yes – a wildly successful nutrition initiative in fine dining restaurants… in New Orleans! Wow!
Inside The Eat Fit Cookbook
- 125+ recipes for appetizers, entrees, desserts, snacks, sides, sauces and beverages
- 224 pages featuring an inside look at the kitchens of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants
- Educational features including salt swaps, stock the perfect pantry, kitchen tools essentials, and how to choose the best oil.
- Essential ingredients and cooking tools to set your kitchen adventures up for success
- Featured recipes and content from dozens of restaurants, including Commander’s Palace, as well as local brands like Swerve Sweetener and Big Easy Bucha
“At Ochsner, we believe in empowering the community to make well-informed decisions about their health. Our goal is to partner with patients though out their entire wellness journey, providing access to the educational resources, products and services to keep them living healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Diedra Dias, Vice President, Ochsner Health and Wellness Solutions. “Nutrition is a key component of that journey and the Eat Fit Cookbook is a fun way to indulge in your favorite foods, without the guilt!”
Approximately half of American adults live with at least one chronic health condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity; and lifestyle plays a significant role in each of these ailments. In the city of decadence, po’boys and fried everything, Kimball saw an opportunity to partner with beloved eateries to create wholesome options, without sacrificing taste. Today Ochsner Eat Fit partners with more than 300 restaurants across the state and can be found in some of Louisiana’s most iconic spots including the Mercedes Benz Superdome, Audubon Zoo and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Even local students benefit—Ochsner Eat Fit is available in schools through Pigeon Catering & Events in New Orleans.
“Ochsner Eat Fit is just as much a part of New Orleans as fried catfish on Fridays during Lent,” said Ti Martin, Co-Proprietor, Commander’s Palace. “It will be with us forever and New Orleans loves it. To change the eating culture of New Orleans – just a little – is one heck of an accomplishment.”
The Eat Fit Cookbook will be available for sale online at www.EatFitCookbook.com and various retailers across the state. Visit the website to find a store near you.
For more information about Ochsner Eat Fit, please visit www.EatFitNOLA.com.