Ten Tips To Being A Healthier DJApril 18, 2016 by Michael CordeiroAdmit it, as DJs we have weird schedules. We leave for work late in the afternoon and return late at night or early in the morning. Normal eating habits just do not apply to us. We are surrounded by temptation and bad food choices. Endless appetizers, heavy meals, big desserts, candy stations! The list goes on. We’ve all been in this scenario, its 1 am and you just finished loading up after crushing an event. You hop in your vehicle and just want something to eat. The choices are slim and the food isn’t healthy. So what do you do?
I couldn’t help noticing at MBLV 20 that a fair number of DJs (me included) were overweight. We didn’t start out this way. After years of late night events and fast food stops, it just creeps up on us. The older we get the more important it is to make smart food choices. Just carrying an extra 30 pounds puts you at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. If we want to be around to watch our kids grow up or enjoy retirement serious changes have to be made. Being overweight affects every aspect of our personal and professional lives and you may not want to admit it, but it has probably cost you bookings.
At MBLV 20 I was very inspired by the journey of two people, Randy Bartlett and Jason Spencer. Both men have worked really hard over the last year to take back their lives. Each has lost over 100 pounds. It all starts with one big first step. Look in the mirror, acknowledge you are overweight and commit to not living like this anymore. I started my journey to better health just before Mobile Beat and have lost 22 lbs so far. Every pound I lose inspires me to lose more!
The road to a better you is not going to be easy. Remove temptations from your home. Have a strong support network. Share your journey with others. Most of all, stick with it. Ask for help. Track your progress. Commit to at least 60 days of a healthy eating program. After that it becomes your regular routine. See your doctor before starting a diet and exercise program. Here’s to a better and healthier you!
Here are ten tips to get you going:
1. Drink a 16oz glass of water with every meal
2. Stop drinking soda and energy drinks (high sugar content)
3. The 40/20 rule. After 40 mins sedentary get up and move for at least 20
4. Cut down on diary and white processed breads
5. No fast food
6. At events skip appetizers, cheese and crackers. Have fresh fruit
7. Enjoy the soup and salad, eat all the veggies then protein last
8. Skip dessert
9. Pack a cooler with water and a protein or energy bar for the ride home
10. Shut off the TV and shoot for a goal of walking 10,000 steps per day.

Event Tune-Up: Comfort Your GuestsJanuary 20, 2016 by Bill Goode

​It is freezing outside as I write this. We are expecting ice and flurries. Do you think that is a wonderful time for an outdoor formal event?
Your strong mental yelling of the word NO was heard loud and clear. Let me ask you this…
Why would the same thing be ok if it is July or August and the temperature is above 85 degrees?
As long as we are talking about the comfort of your guests, what are their musical tastes? Do they have any dietary issues, such as Kosher, lactose problems, or shellfish allergies? Do they have seizure issues around specialty dance lighting? Are they allergic to flowers?
One item that novice planners, brides, and those planning an event may miss is the comfort of their guests. Sure, there is a vision in their mind of how the event should look, but how would a roomful of empty chairs and an empty dance floor looked if the comfort of your guests is not taken into account?
The most common issue we have run into is a lack of climate control. In the south, there are many old homes that bill themselves as an event venue, but the event is actually held outside in a tent. During the height of the summer, temperatures can easily get to be over ninety degrees, even with fans blowing.
Some of the other guest-unfriendly issues also relate to music, menu, even family and friend dynamics.
When planning your event, the purpose of having your event is to invite people to share in your joy, celebrate a work event, or honor a life milestone. To do any of that, you will invite guests. What are their likes and dislikes?
Put yourself into their shoes. When you went to an event, what did you like about it? What did you not like? Why did you stay? Why did you leave early?
Answer those questions, plug in those answers to relate to your guests, and you are well on the way to having one great event.