Ditch the Diet For Good, a four-week intensive weight loss program which focuses on food, mindset and physical activity, will begin at the WHWS group room on Monday, February 10.
Clinical nutritionist Pam Bailey from Nutrition in Balance, who is running the food side of the program, said people had tried so many fad diets, which promised weight loss, but in reality were not sustainable or healthy and can also be expensive.
‘The program is about teaching people how to make small changes ” not cutting out all the foods you like ” which is a lot more sustainable in the long term,’ she said.
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READ NOW‘We’ll teach people that popular junk and take-away foods can easily be replaced with healthy substitutes, which are quick and easy to make and cheaper.
‘We will also provide practical tips for healthy eating, such as healthy snack ideas with recipes.
‘There will also be information on how to avoid the traps of misleading food labels and how making good food choices can increase energy and vitality.”
Recent findings from the 2013 Healthy Living Index Survey showed health conditions, including being overweight or obese, were among Australians’ biggest concerns.
The survey also highlighted weight management has proved to be a challenge for Australians; three in four people surveyed (73 per cent) hoped to shed weight.
Mrs Bailey said she was not surprised about the findings considering how much money is spent on advertising junk food and the amount of confusing information there is surrounding what to eat.
‘People are told not to eat sugar and avoid certain types of fats, but what they don’t realise is that many of the low fats food often have more sugar or they’ve been artificially sweetened.
‘The key is everything in moderation.’
If people made small changes to incorporate some form of physical activity into their lives, even if it means walking around during the ads while watching TV, it will make a difference, Mrs Bailey said.
‘It doesn’t mean having to go to the gym five days a week, people can make exercise fun and involve the whole family.’
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Services health promotion officer Clare Kenward will run the mindset and physical activity side of the program.