When I’m running through Concourse B to catch a flight at Armstrong International, I don’t have time to calorie count when I pay for a breakfast order of scrambled eggs, grits and toast at The Praline Connection, a small cheese at the French Market Pizzeria or a wedge of lemon blueberry pound cake at LP Bistro.
But, for those who fly and try to eat right at 30,000 feet, they now have an Airport ally to steer them in the right direction.
Eat Fit NOLA, a nonprofit initiative created by Ochsner Fitness Center’s registered dietitian Molly Kimball, has partnered with the Airport and Delaware North, the Airport’s master food and beverage concessionaire, to provide Eat Fit-approved menu items at 4 restaurants.
Eat Fit NOLA’s objective is to make nutritious food choices easier when dining out in New Orleans.
“Our goal with Ochsner Eat Fit is to take the guesswork out of dining out healthfully.” Kimball said. “With Eat Fit NOLA, visitors can enjoy traditional New Orleans cuisine that’s both nutritious and delicious. We are delighted to bring Eat Fit NOLA to the Airport so that even when you’re traveling, you can indulge without the guilt.”
Next time you place an order at Copeland’s, Dooky Chase’s, Ye Olde College Inn or Zatarain’s at the Airport, look for the featured entrées that meet the nutritional standards of the Ochsner Eat Fit initiative with the Eat Fit seal of approval right on the menu.
Ochsner Eat Fit-approved entrées are less than 600 calories, are low in added sugar and sodium and have no white, refined starches or trans fats.
“We look forward to expanding this program at the Airport and continuing it into the new terminal in 2018,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, Director of Aviation at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
“Eating right while traveling has not always been easy; that is why bringing Eat Fit NOLA to the Airport is such a great opportunity,” said Cheryl Teamer, Chairwoman of the New Orleans Aviation Board. “As the North Terminal concessions plan starts to develop, we look forward to integrating the Eat Fit NOLA initiative into it.”
Eat Fit NOLA has more than 70 restaurant partners around New Orleans including Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Buffa’s Lounge, Café Degas, Kingfish, Langenstein’s, La Thai Uptown, Muriel’s, Phil’s Grill, the Superdome, Vega Tapas Café and Zea Rotisserie & Grill.
Ti Adelaide Martin, one of the co-proprietors of Commander’s Palace, SoBou and Café Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar, already offers Eat Ft NOLA options at all her restaurants. As the Finance Chair of the New Orleans Aviation Board, she said, “In a city known for its food, Eat Fit NOLA helps people make healthy food choices while still enjoying great-tasting, high-quality food.”
When you order Eat Fit NOLA Ochsner-approved items, expect entrées or entrée salads that contain:
• Less than 600 calories
• Less than 800 mg sodium
• Less than 10% of calories from animal-based saturated fat
• 0 grams trans fats
• No white, refined starches
• Less than 5 grams (one teaspoon) of added sugar (e.g. honey, agave, sugar, etc.)
When ordering an Eat Fit NOLA approved appetizer, soup, salad or dessert, you’ll be ensured they’ll have:
• Less than 300 calories
• Less than 400 mg sodium
• Less than 10% of calories from saturated fat
• Less than 10% of calories from animal-based saturated fat
• 0 grams trans fats
• No white, refined starches
• Less than 5 grams (one teaspoon) of added sugar (e.g. honey, agave, sugar, etc.)
“Our general formula for an Eat Fit NOLA menu item is a lean protein with a salad and/ or a non-starchy veggie,” registered dietitian Kimball said. “Splitting an entrée can be a good option, just as long as you’re not skimping on protein. For many, an appropriate serving is the size of your palm.”
Kimball said the old diet trick of ordering an appetizer as an entrée doesn’t always work because appetizers can top 1,000 calories, and when ordering don’t be afraid to make healthy requests. Ask to switch a high calorie starch for extra vegetables, she said, or ask for no added salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.
“If you’re looking to treat yourself, try to limit that ‘treat’ to one type of ‘extra,’ whether it’s a modest amount of pre-meal bread or chips, a starchy side item, a shared dessert or a cocktail,” Kimball said.
In case you’re used to ordering a pre-flight cocktail, Eat Fit NOLA has some guidelines for those as well, including ones that have:
• Less than 150 calories
• Not more than 2 ounces alcohol
• Less than 5 grams (one teaspoon) of added sugar
“Keep things simple with beer, wine, a martini or any other mixed drink with a low-sugar mixer like water, soda or diet soft drink to keep calories in check,” Kimball said. “Most of these drinks will range from 100 to 200 calories, depending on size and potency.”
“Our goal is to be a healthier New Orleans by our 300th anniversary in 2018, so that we can focus on economic growth and job creation,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “Bringing the Eat Fit NOLA program to the Airport is an important step in continuing our progress toward becoming a nationally regarded fit city. This program not only has a positive impact on New Orleanians, but also on anyone who travels through the Louis Armstrong Airport.”
In addition to the Airport, Ochsner Eat Fit has expanded its reach with Eat Fit Northshore and Eat Fit Bayou and will be launching Eat Fit BR this fall.
