The employees of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group have a serious occupational hazard where weight-loss is concerned—professionals with constant exposure to delectable cuisine, many of whose jobs require constant tasting, may be excused for any excess avoirdupois, right? Add to this the fact that many New Orleanians have been indulging in way too much freezer food and drinkable hurricanes lately, as Isaac ran its course…
But Ralph Brennan, who is a regular at the gym and prefers his fish grilled, takes a serious interest in the health of his extended professional “family.” And we all have our vices that need to be taken in moderation; after all, Ralph does not need much tempting when a chocolate milkshake is nearby. In keeping with one of his company’s core values, personal growth, RBRG is partnering with New Orleans’ Touro Hospital in a 90-day weight-loss and healthy living competition it calls “GET FIT WITH RALPH.” Seventy-two Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group staff members are signed up.
Based on the success of Touro Hospital’s own recent employee wellness initiative, the RBRG program seeks to 1) raise awareness around key personal health metrics; 2) offer resources and opportunities to make positive change; and 3) foster friendly competition among co-workers seeking a healthier lifestyle.
“GET FIT WITH RALPH” began September 5 and runs through December 4. Participants will receive confidential before-and-after screenings of nine key factors: weight; body fat percent; blood pressure; waist-to-hip ratio; cholesterol; glucose; resting heart rate; days of exercise; and pedometer readings. In December, following the final screening, results will be compared and prizes of American Express gift cards (provided by the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group) will be awarded to male and female winners in the categories of Highest Percent Change in Weight Lost; Highest Percent Change in Body Fat; Most Steps Logged on Pedometer; Overall Winner; and “Good Sport.”
To make healthful living even more delicious and accessible, in conjunction with "GET FIT WITH RALPH," all restaurants in the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group will be offering “Spa Plates” beginning September 7. These healthy indulgences will feature a protein, vegetables, a healthy grain, and healthy seasoning and sauces. Options include shrimp creole with quinoa salad, ahi tuna salad with citrus soy vinaigrette, grilled puppy drum, and grilled salmon and roasted eggplant quinoa.
