D.C. Chefs Slim Down for Charity
Fifteen of Washington, D.C.’s celebrity chefs and mixologists are facing off beginning Monday to see who can lose the most weight while raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
The 12-week Fit for Hope challenge culminates at the ACS’ Taste of Hope event Sept. 24 at the Carnegie Library. Taste of Hope is ACS’ culinary, wine and spirits fundraiser featuring more than 50 of Washington’s most popular chefs, restaurants and beverage vendors. Guests sample dishes, wines, spirits and inventive cocktails. In honor of its 100th birthday, this is the first year the Taste of Hope has come to Washington, D.C.
Graffiato owner and Top Chef contestant Mike Isabella gained 40 pounds over a year and a half, but took off 15 pounds in three months by exercising and cutting out alcohol and sugar.
Fit for Hope competitors include Mike Isabella of Graffiato, G and Kapnos; Anthony Acinapura of Brasserie Beck; Victor Albisu of Del Campo; Derek Brown of The Passenger, Columbia Room and Mockingbird Hill; RJ Cooper of Rogue 24; Shannon Overmiller and Todd Thrasher of The Majestic; Bryan Voltaggio of Volt and Range; and Ryan Wheeler of Eat Good Food Group.
“Chefs are notoriously competitive in the kitchen. Now, we take the rivalry into the gym for the benefit of the Society and every competitor’s good health,” said Liz Davey, Senior Vice President, ACS, National Capital Region.
About one-third of the 572,000 cancer deaths in the United States this year will be linked to poor diet, physical inactivity and carrying too much weight, according to the ACS. The good news is that everyone can do something about it. Except for quitting smoking, some of the most important things individuals can do to help reduce their cancer risk are:
- Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life;
- Be physically active on a regular basis;
- Make healthy food choices with a focus on plant-based foods.
“Fit for Hope will be an incredible challenge, but if anyone is up for the challenge and the competition, it’s my friends in the restaurant industry,” said chef Mike Isabella.
According to the ACS, the latest recommendations for adults call for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week, or an equivalent combination, preferably spread throughout the week.
Helping the participating chefs and mixologists lose are local trainers Monica Pampell from PentaFit and Jason Yoo from Team Yoo Sport Taekwando and an Olympic taekwando trainer as well as certified Pilates instructor Chauna Bryant from Chauna Bryant Pilates.
While dropping pounds, participants will raise a minimum $2,500 during the 12 weeks. To make donations or to track the participants’ progress, visit www.tasteofhopedc.org.
At the end of the 12-week challenge, participating chefs and mixologists will be evaluated based on percentage of body weight lost. Bloomingdales will makeover the Top three “losers” for the big reveal and announcement of the winner at Taste of Hope.
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.
