The third season of Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s “Fit to Eat,” premieres Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
The show is kicking off their third season with a segment titled, “Down on the Farm.” This segment will feature the Southern Foodways Alliance based out of The University of Mississippi Center for the Study of Southern Culture.
The Southern Foodways Alliance is a member-supported, non-profit organization that celebrates the diverse food culture of the South and its changes throughout history.
Lisa Parker Lott, public relations specialist for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, explained that they will be selecting different relevant organizations in the state for each episode.
“We focus on organizations that focus on healthy food,” Parker Lott said.
The show, hosted by Chef Rob Stinson, targets Mississippi’s obesity and health problems. Throughout the season Chef Rob shares his techniques with viewers, taking classic Southern foods and making them lighter and healthier.
Parker Lott is excited for the third season, praising the show for being one of the most watched Mississippi Public Broadcasting programs.
“Each year we improve a little more,” said Parker Lott. “Our first year emphasis was on a healthy twist, last season was focused on making almost all recipes gluten free.”
Parker Lott explained that this year they have gone a step further in the show.
“It won’t just be Chef Rob in the kitchen anymore,” she said. “We will bring in a different guest each episode telling their story of how they came to be a healthier person.”
The show also features a more in-depth look at nutritional information, such as calories and portion control, by Mississippi registered dietitian Rebecca Turner.
Turner said she thinks the most important determinants of good health are what we eat and how active we are daily. This season of “Fit to Eat” is designed to “cut through the confusion” and “provide clear tips to eat healthy and shop local and steps to create a healthier lifestyle,” Turner said.
Turner recognizes that obesity in children and adults is a leading health concern for Mississippi and believes that if the awareness of obesity rises, people will change.
However, Turner also believes that the media and web “bombard the public with confusing, conflicting and counterproductive health information.” When people are misinformed, they are “unable to make lasting behavioral changes” Turner said.
“Fit to Eat” will air every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
