LA JARA — Interested in losing weight? Feeling better, less arthritis pain, more energy, and better sleep? Not to mention clothes that fit better or smaller sized clothes?

Area Extension Agent Mary Ellen Fleming will be teaching a weight loss class beginning on June 27th (Tuesdays) at 4:30 p.m. at the Public Health Office (Nurses Office) in La Jara. The class will meet once a week on Tuesdays for 15 weeks. Cost of the class is $30. Call the Extension Office at 852-7381 to register for the class. 

The last weight loss class was completed in Alamosa with 16 participants having lost a total of 246 pounds!

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

• “I feel better.”

• “I enjoy eating healthier.”

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

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

• “I lost 39 lbs. in this class.  I have gone down two pant sizes and one shirt size.  My energy level has improved; I sleep better and have lowered my blood sugar.”

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

• “I can now tie my shoes!”

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

• “I’m not short of breath anymore and I don’t snore as much.”

The plan in this class is based on nutrition. Participants will follow a low carbohydrate/high vegetable diet that will provide a slow steady weight loss.  That is why the group 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. Participants must decide to make a change and commit to doing their best to follow the eating plan. What are the payoffs? Participants 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 folks 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, folks need to cut down on sugar and starches.

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.  Please feel free to visit 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.