Tyler Florence's Chef's Life

Shaq's Big Challenge

Posted Apr 17th 2007 2:35PM by TYLER

Hi All, I wanted to share this small article with you that gives some more information on the new show I did last January with Shaquille O'Neal. Make sure to tune in this summer! - Tyler Childhood obesity is a fast-growing epidemic in the U.S. - obese children face a shorter lifespan due to weight-related illnesses such as increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. But hope has arrived for America's children. Shaquille O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion and a role model to millions, is on a quest to battle this scourge and help kids across America live more healthfully. His new series, Shaq's Big Challenge, will debut TUESDAY, JUNE 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Shaq and his hand-picked "dream team" of experts embark on a crusade to help transform six obese middle school youngsters from Florida into healthy, fit kids - and along the way, demonstrate how other communities nationwide can help fight childhood obesity. In Shaq's Big Challenge he puts six obese youngsters through the most intense, emotional and rewarding time of their young lives. He is aided by six specialists, including: Shaq's own physician and trainer, Dr. Carlon "Doc" Colker, M.D.; personal trainer Tarik Tyler; nutritionist Dr. Joy Bauer; childhood obesity expert Dr. William Muinos, M.D. from Miami Children's Hospital; Food Network celebrity chef Tyler Florence; and Shaq's Louisiana State University coach Dale Brown. Together they go into the kids' homes and, schools, then expand their scope to meet with the local school and government officials to develop and implement a wellness program for the children of the community, and later for the entire state of Florida. This mission does not end with these six children. The goal is for every child in the local schools to take part in Shaq's plan. His dream team addresses the challenges of providing tasty, kid-friendly nutritious meals on a budget, as well as incorporating more exercise into the kids' days. For instance, physical education is no longer mandatory in many public schools across the U.S., so Shaq and his team will develop revolutionary programs to allow every child to get consistent exercise while at school. Once he has accomplished his mission at this school, Shaq and his team will have laid the groundwork to achieve their ultimate goal: to create a fitness plan that could be accepted across the whole of Florida and serve as a template for the entire country. Shaq's Big Challenge will change the way we approach the health of a nation -- one child, one community, one state at a time, until we truly are a happier, healthier, fitter America.

Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. Tyler,

That's awesome of you to help those kids and I can't wait to see the show and how you helped impact their lives.

Take care.

Lauren at 4:45PM on Apr 17th 2007

2. I am anxious to see it as well. I must say, I am more shocked daily to see so many over weight kids! We recently took our daughter to an indoor waterpark for spring break up at Boyne Mountain here in Michigan. I could not believe some of these kids, we saw one boy in particular, probably 13-14 year age range that actually had stretch marks from his stomach hanging down to his knees! That is mortifying that any parent would allow that to happen to their child! Yes, it does start with parents! I understand that heredity plays a major role in a childs weight but come on!

Liz at 11:43AM on Apr 19th 2007

3. Bravo, Tyler! I am passionate about teaching children at an early age about food, and getting them involved in cooking and meal preparation. I feel that the more kids know about food, the more likely they are to make healthier choices. This looks like a wonderful program, and I'm glad to see that you are involved in it.

Elizabeth Grimes at 3:02PM on Apr 20th 2007

4. Very commendable work, congrats on being picked up to help with the show. Diabetes in young children is a sad event, whether developed through an autoimmune reaction(type 1) or by poor diet and sedentary lifestyle(type 2). It has been proven that a change in eating habits and physical activity can reverse the onset of type 2 diabetes and this venture to help children do that is Great! Support the cause!

Scott M at 1:25PM on Apr 22nd 2007

5. That can be but not sure!

Erica at 5:36AM on Jun 7th 2007

6. Tyler,

I have not missed an episode of Shaq's Big Challenge. I think it is amazing that someone of Shaq's stature has dared to take on such a tremendous challenge.

I saw the two (so far) episodes you were in. I love your efforts to bring healthy lunches to the school system. I have wondered for quite some time what it would be like to have someone like yourself create the menu for school lunches. It is definetly a challenge and I hope it worked at well. Having gone through Florida schools myself, I can testify to the fact that the school system's idea of a "healthy" meal leaves much to be desired.

Are you still involved with the push to improve school lunches? What was the end result?

Jim Duffy at 11:24PM on Jul 24th 2007

7. The broccoli that you served with the pasta primavera on last night's episode........did it have anything on it- cheese? butter? Just wondering

Kerri at 12:11PM on Jul 25th 2007

8. School lunches is an area that needs to be revolutionized. You can't just change the food, children and parents need to be educated. We have become hostages of the fast food nation. I was so glad to see Tyler get in there and take a shot at offering healthy alternatives. I was also not surprised to see the broccoli going into the trash because the kids are not being trained at home on what is good and what is not good to eat. Companies like ARAMARK are handling food service in our schools and I can assure you, having been on the inside, they care about one thing and one thing only: the bottom line. The school lunch program could be tied into
daily education. Science: how the food is grown. how it is harvested and processed. Business: how to partner with local farms to bring the freshest food in at the most reasonable price. World cultures and history: how regional dishes and traditions came about. Enough said. I appreciate Tyler exposing this beast for what is....cheap fast food that makes everyone unhealthy.

Kate Smirnov at 7:48PM on Jul 25th 2007

9. Hi Tyler

I have been watching the Shaq's show too and give you the highest kudos for working with the kitchen staff and person who is in charge of the budgeting.

They seem to be a little more than apprehensive to the amazing change that you are trying to help create, but you keep pressing on with a positive attitude and smile.

I even thought I saw the cooks smile at the end of todays show (7/24) So, you are not only making a huge impact on the lives of all the children, but you are definetley making a difference in the lives of the staff too.

Great job!

Susie

susie at 12:19AM on Jul 26th 2007

10. I just watched the show and I am so happy for these kids! I am a mother and a teacher and I wish we could get you to develop menus for our school, too. This is an American problem that the schools need to help with.

Great work!

Wanda at 10:04PM on Jul 31st 2007

11. I was totally amazed to see the change in all six of those childen, Shaq you have out done yourself this time. I work in a school cafeteria , and I know how bad the food can be. I too am an over weight adult and I do not want that for my 10 year old son. My husband and I are both looking into weight lose surgury, I don't want my son to have to do that when he's older. Is there some way you could possible have other NBA players in other states to help. If the Sacramento Kings had a program like this I would have no problems traveling the 45 minute drive a day to get my son health. I would love to have my child in the program I would do it with him if you ever did a child parnet show. Please look into getting other players to help.
signed help needed North of
Sacramento

Mary at 2:16AM on Aug 1st 2007

12. I have been watching the TV show. What a difference in the Kids. I'm proud of those kids. It took a lot of effort for them. As for the last person, I agree I would like to see this program being used in all schools in CA. Not just N. CA. Even though I'm from N.CA as well. But don't just set this for Middle schools. This needs to be for High School too. I sure hope this catches on. I would also like to see an update on the kids in 1 year to see how they are keeping up on the program.

Cheryl at 7:51PM on Aug 1st 2007

13. I manage a high school kitchen in Indiana, and I want some ideas for a healthier menu for my students. Can you help us?

Dina Myers at 7:02AM on Aug 20th 2007

14. I think this project can change America and how it affects our children. My son was heavy when he was younger and he loved to play baseball. His father challenged him and he lost weight and went down about half of the size he was. He recently graduated from college and received his bachelor degree in Exercise Science and is currently doing an internship with Tim Bishop who was the strength and conditioning coach for the Baltimore Orioles for 14 years and now has his own business. They work with a lot of kids and kids camps like Cal Ripkens baseball camp in his Aberdeen facility. My son loves this work and would love to help Shaq if he comes to the Maryland area. Thanks for caring about our Children.

Bobbie at 9:38AM on Aug 29th 2007

15. I would like to join a challange team in Plano, TX or New Orleans LA and help this problem come to an end. Can you point me in the right direction to help get this started?

Melissa Tallon at 3:18PM on Sep 1st 2007

Next 15 Comments

Add your comments

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry: inappropriate or purely promotional comments may be removed. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

RSS Feed

About Me

Celebrity chef Tyler Florence, author of 'Tyler's Ultimate' cookbook, has created all-new holiday recipes and accompanying videos for AOL Food. His restaurant, Bar Florence, is set to open in Manhattan in 2007.