By Linda K. Landy….
I have come to the conclusion that I was tragically born without a metabolism. I have been fighting the battle of the bulge for as long as I can remember – sometimes more successfully than others — and have lost and gained about a million pounds.
I went on my first diet when I was about 11 years old. I believe it consisted solely of Tab (the original diet soft drink) and salads dressed with pickle juice. I think it lasted an entire day.
Since then I have tried for varying lengths of time and with varying degrees of success just about every diet ever invented. You must remember some of these — the Grapefruit Diet, the Scarsdale Diet, the Atkins Diet (in 1971 long before it became fashionable), the Pritikin Diet, Weight Watchers, liquid protein (probably the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted), Fen- Phen, low calorie, sugar-free, low-fat and many more that I have mercifully blocked out of my mind. In addition, I have visited or talked to just about every nutritionist and diet program in Dade County. Oh wait! I apologize to Jared – I never tried the Subway plan.
Now that I am older and wiser, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to successfully lose weight and keep it off (the magic words in dieting) is a sensible plan that combines eating in moderation with a consistent, moderate exercise program.
That’s why I was thrilled to learn that Baptist Health Systems and the JCC have teamed up to again to offer their proven Eight Weeks to a Healthy You program. The last time this program was offered, every participant achieved their goal. This is not a diet program but a lifestyle change.
“The Baptist/JCC proven Eight Weeks to a Healthy You is a successful program because we combine the nutrition with exercise and education so that you learn why you are doing what you are doing and how to continue,” explains Meg McCarthy, JCC fitness director. “Diets create a yo-yo effect, this is to adapt for everyday life. It’s really about setting realistic goals and giving you the tools to make it happen. The last eight-week program we ran, all 15 participants lost pounds, inches or body fat.”
On Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. you will be weighed and measured and Dana Cohen, with Baptist Health Systems, will teach you how to cook, grocery shop and read labels. She will dispel rumors and teach portion control.
The group also meets in the JCC fitness center on Thursday nights from 6 to 7 p.m. A JCC trainer will lead a group fitness program including an aerobic warm up on cardio equipment (the trainer helps select the appropriate machine for each person) and circuit training with a focus on strength resistance, core training and flexibility. Each participant will have one-on-one time with the nutritionist and personal trainer to customize the fitness program to their individual needs.
Eight Weeks to a Healthier You is just $65 for JCC members and $100 for non members. The fee includes unlimited use of the JCC fitness center facilities throughout the program, so you can work out on your own in addition to the one day with the program. The Alper JCC’s Fitness Center is one of the most complete of its kind in South Florida.
This twice-a-week program begins Oct. 4 and continues to the week of Thanksgiving. Participants must be at least 15 years old. Although you are welcome to come on your own, the J encourages you to increase your chances of success by bringing a buddy— a spouse, friend, parent, child or neighbor.
For more information or to register, call Meg McCarthy at 305-271-9000, ext. 277. Group size is limited.
