When you think of Louisiana, you think of food and jazz, but especially food. Great food. Food that you remember, such as fried oyster sandwiches in the French Quarter, gumbo, fried catfish and hush puppies. What you don't normally think about is food that's good for you, but it's there. Vacation and spa venues in Louisiana that include wellness and weight-loss programs are on the rise.
Exotic Locale
In central Louisiana, an exotic bird conservatory is the site of a luxurious spa, The Nest, known for its beautiful birds, outdoor sculptures and lush surroundings. On 275 acres, the resort includes a wellness center, the New Life Institute, which takes its cues from naturopathy. Therapies are based on prevention and on "the use of heat, water, light, air, and massage as primary therapies for disease,'' according to the Nest's website. The institute emphasizes "metabolic typing,'' which customizes a diet based on an individual's body chemistry to alleviate food cravings and bring the body into balance. The metabolic typing method gives clients insight into how they can strengthen their immune systems, look younger and lose weight without struggle or deprivation.
Boot Camp
If you can't drag yourself away from the fun you're having in New Orleans, join a boot camp while you're on vacation. New Orleans Adventure Boot Camp for Women runs one hour, often outdoor exercise sessions in and around New Orleans, as well as in Metairie, Lakeville, Westbank and Mandeville. Adventure Boot Camp is a four-week training program that offers fitness instruction, nutritional counseling and motivational training, and promises fun, energizing activities. Sign up ahead of time; boot camp sessions do fill up.
Cajun and Creole Lite
Louisiana's food is known the world over. Cajun and creole cooking are no exception. You can try a restaurant-crawl vacation that emphasizes healthy cooking, and light versions of Louisiana's creole and Cajun favorites. Lighter gumbos, catfish and crawfish etouffee recipes are popping up on menus all over the French Quarter, on local television shows and even in Louisiana cooking schools.
Get to Work
Since 2005, more than 1 million "voluntourists'' have spent their vacations in Louisiana, helping residents ravaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita put their lives back in order. Louisiana's state government has created a website, volunteerlouisiana.gov, to help steer voluntourists to the places where they can do the most good. Swinging a hammer and nailing floor joists might not seem like a vacation, but for weight reduction, it can't be beat, and think of the good you'll do.
Get Out
One of the easiest ways to lose weight is when you're busy doing what you like best outdoors. Hiking, cycling, swimming, walking and touring Southern mansions are all ways of getting exercise while having fun. Check out the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe. With canoe rentals and boating on a 1,700-acre lake, along with swimming, fishing, boardwalks and hiking trails, this park is a great way to get exercise. The 2,800-acre Fountainebleau State Park in Mandeville is on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The park's long nature trail is a favorite of park visitors.
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