March is National Nutrition Month

February 20, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY - George Stella is a celebrity chef on the Food Network. His weekly television series, “Low Carb and Loving It,” is a crowd favorite and he is also the author of two best selling cookbooks. But Stella hasn’t always enjoyed such success.

At 40, he was classified as morbidly obese, tipping the scales at 470 pounds. His condition was not only threatening his career, but also his life. He was experiencing serious heart problems and was oftentimes confined to a wheelchair. Stella’s doctor warned him that if he didn’t lose weight, he would die.

Stella’s transformation began in October 1999. After nearly a quarter-century of being overweight, he began following a low carbohydrate diet. During the next few years, he dropped an amazing 265 pounds and greatly improved his health. His family’s too. In all they have collectively lost 560 pounds.

Stella’s story has been written about in many magazines and newspapers and has been featured on national television shows such as ABC’s The View, CBS’s 48 Hours, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider. He hopes to inspire others to change their eating habits and begin living a life free of extra pounds and weight-related health problems.

INTEGRIS Health is sponsoring a community event with Chef George Stella called “Family, Friends, Food and Fun!” It is in response to the “Mayor’s Million” call to action, encouraging Oklahoma City residents to lose weight and start living healthier lifestyles.

DATE: Monday, March 3
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: Omniplex/Science Museum of Oklahoma
2100 N.E. 52 Street

The event will be free and open to the public and will consist of cooking demonstrations using children in the audience as “Sous Chefs.” Door prizes will be given away and Stella will be available for book signings and autographs after the show.

Participants will also be able to view the exhibits on the science floor of the Omniplex at no charge, with the exception of the popular “Our Body” exhibit, which will be closed.

Space is limited so please call the INTEGRIS HealthLine at (405) 951-2277 to reserve your seat.