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Molly Kimball
A Baton Rouge native currently residing in New Orleans, Molly Kimball is a passionate advocate for health and wellness in Louisiana, dedicated to proving that nutritious food doesn't have to sacrifice taste. Through her innovative efforts and partnerships, she has made it her mission to bring flavorful, healthy meals to the people of her beloved state, showing that Louisiana's rich culinary traditions can coexist with a commitment to well-being.
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Louisiana Flavor with a Healthy Twist
In Louisiana, our food is ingrained into who we are. From Cajun to Creole dishes, soul food to seafood, Oysters Rockefeller to oyster po-boys, our menus are as diverse as our residents, providing a sampling of Louisiana’s rich heritage. Molly’s goal isn’t to change those iconic favorites, but rather work to enhance the nutritional value and make delicious health-conscience options more readily available.
Small improvements are where Molly says Louisiana should focus. Ranking as one of the unhealthiest states in the country, with 65.8 percent of the state’s population diagnosed with obesity or as overweight, there is a clear need for improved wellbeing. Even though many of our cultural favorites tend to be not-so-healthy, Molly believes that doesn't have to change. There are plenty of quintessential Louisiana staples, like local seafood, red beans, and greens that can easily become healthy options by simply re-thinking how those dishes are prepared.
A healthier lifestyle is a simple way for each of us to help Louisiana thrive. “We’re not trying to change the food culture; rather, enhance it to allow more viability from the food we love. By fueling our bodies with the right foods and forms of exercise, we reduce our risk for other health-related illnesses,” says Molly.
Eat Fit Initiative
First recognizing the challenges that dining out posed for those wanting to improve their eating habits, Molly sought to provide solutions. In 2013, she founded Eat Fit, a non-profit initiative of Ochsner Health that works to provide healthy alternatives in restaurants, making the healthy choice the easy choice. The core of the program works to encourage nutritious selections – whether an individual is looking to lose weight, feel or look better, or manage health issues including diabetes, cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Together with her Eat Fit team, Molly works closely with local restaurants, markets, and other food service establishments to help identify and develop dishes that meet the established nutritional criteria.
“Living well doesn’t have to be painful or the result of drastic changes. You can still do the things you love while infusing wellness into your lifestyle,” encourages Molly.
Through Molly’s leadership and guidance, Eat Fit was a recipient of a Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Louisiana 3-year collective impact grant, which allowed the program to expand into six regions across the state including the Northshore, Baton Rouge, Acadiana, Shreveport, and Monroe, extending to more than 500 program partners. Eat Fit services are provided free of charge, with approved items donning the seal of approval, designed to allow customers to identify healthier options.
Expanding the Impact
In addition to Eat Fit, Molly works to bridge the gap between the idea of wellness and real life through her many other ventures. In her weekly podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition, Molly helps navigate the latest trends and research related to the mind and body, providing interviews with experts and innovators that feel less like science class and more like a chat with your best friend. When she’s not behind the mic, she can be found in front of the camera on her weekly TV segment on WGNO, Get Fueled with Molly, featuring an array of wellness topics, including product spotlights, myth-busting, and cooking segments.
