MONTE VISTA — A weight loss class will be taught beginning on Thursday, February 1st,  at 5:30 p.m. at the CSU Extension Office in Monte Vista at 1899 E. Hwy 160 (separate building on the Monte Vista Coop property). The class will meet once a week on Thursdays for 15 weeks.  Cost of the class is $30. The $30 pays for food that is provided at each class. Call the Extension Office at 852-7381 to register for the class. 

A fall weight loss class was completed in La Jara right before Christmas with 13 people having lost a total of 223 pounds!

Here are some words from people who just completed this class;

* “I feel better.”

* “My knee does not hurt anymore.”

* “I enjoy eating healthier.”

* “I am not hungry 24/7.”

* “The group class and support are very helpful.”

* “I am noticing many items; sleeping better, more energy, am eating less.”

* “So far I’ve lost a good amount of weight.  My clothes feel better and more importantly I feel better.”

* “I don’t feel consumed with food and I’m much less hungry.”

* “My knee does not hurt anymore.  It really helps to get 20 pounds off of my joints!”

* “Puffiness in my legs is gone!”

* “Clothes are fitting better, self-esteem is improving!”

* “Good news, my blood pressure went down and I got a smile from the doctor.”

The plan we follow in class is based on nutrition. We follow a low carbohydrate/high protein and vegetable diet that will provide a slow steady weight loss.  That is why we will meet for 15 weeks, slow and steady. Any diet that offers a 5 to 10 pound weight loss in the first week is not going to work over the long term. In most cases, it is water that is lost, not fat.

Of course, the first thing a person needs is motivation and commitment. You must decide to make a change and commit to doing your best to follow the eating plan. What are the payoffs?  You’ll feel better, clothes will fit better, have improved self-esteem, joints will feel better, blood pressure may go down, sleep better, and have more energy. Sound good? Give it a try.   

Sugar is the basic form of energy that the body uses. A starch is very similar chemically to sugar. So the body takes sugars and starches and converts them to the very basic form of sugar called glucose. Then the body puts the glucose in the blood to circulate throughout the body delivering the glucose to organs, muscles, etc. to be used. This glucose is also burned when we exercise. The problem is too many sugars and starches are consumed and then not burned off through exercise. If these sugars are not burned they are then converted to fat and added to our bodies. 

We know what sugars are and where they are found. What foods contain starch? Carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, grains, potatoes, corn, rice, etc. Think about it, any food that is starchy. So in order to lose weight, we need to cut down on sugar and starches.

If you are interested in losing weight, I would encourage you to take the class.  Call the office to sign up.  If you have any questions, give me a call at 852-7381.

For more information contact Mary Ellen Fleming, at 719-852-7381 or visit the CSU Extension office for the San Luis Valley Area at 1899 E Hwy 160, Monte Vista, Co  81144.  Please feel free to visit our website at: http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu for information about services provided.

Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Colorado State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating.