Published: January 09, 2008 08:06 am      

Start your own weight loss club

The Biggest Loser idea has struck again. Our office staff has started an after the holiday club to encourage weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices. The club will have a lunch and learn meeting once a month to discuss tips on exercise, healthy snacks, stress, exercise and food shopping.

There will be a “weigh-in” every week. I am sure the contest will inspire lots of good natured badgering, but also lots of camaraderie in battling a tough issue. I’ll keep you posted on the staff’s progress.

Unfortunately, all workplaces are not this supportive and encouraging when it comes to health and weight issues. As new year weight loss resolutions begin, people can get off track by the temptation of unhealthy foods in the workplace. For people to lose weight and effectively stick to a diet, they often need to change their home surroundings by dumping out the candy dish and replacing it with fruit or replacing soda with water in their refrigerator. However, many times the food environment at work cannot be controlled. In the workplace, food is everywhere from pastries at morning meetings to the tempting snack drawers and vending machines. 

According to the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, almost 66 percent of the U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Kentucky has the fourth-highest obesity rate in the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that individuals who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, osteoarthritis, diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea and gall bladder disease.

While not all weight is gained on the job, changing the workplace eating environment can help dieters stay focused and keep others healthier. There are several things people can do to change how food is offered at the work environment.

One of the first things adults should consider is bringing their lunch to work rather than eating out every day. Most of us know a turkey sandwich is healthier than a hamburger, but we are a rushed society and fast food can seem more convenient than packing a lunch to those who live on the go.

Oftentimes, meals at fast-food restaurants tend to be in larger portions than adults really need, but the extra calories are consumed because they are easily available and accessible. Packing a lunch will help limit the size of the meal and also create healthier food choices. Consider packing a lunch the night before, if you feel too rushed to do so in the morning.

Portions also can be limited when serving pastries, cakes or soda at meetings and events. Allowing employees to help themselves at these functions also can help them consume smaller portions. If you are concerned about the food choices at these gatherings, talk to the person who orders the food or the caterer and ask if they can replace the some of the current food offerings with healthier options such as fruit and vegetable trays or at least offer fruits and vegetables as alternatives.

Many times the caterer can offer baked or broiled options instead of only fried foods. Also make sure there is water available at meetings and events. A healthy employee potluck meal also is an option when sharing lunch with co-workers.

Vending machines also pose a problem for dieters. Many times when employees go to the vending machines for snacks, the only options they are given are candy bars, potato chips, cookies, soda and brownies. Find out who stocks the vending machine and talk with them about offering healthier snack options such as pretzels, baked or low fat chips and water.

Eating healthy at work can be a challenge, but it is possible and can help to achieve weight loss goals in the new year. To receive more information about healthy and nutritious foods, call the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service at 623-4072.

We have several publications available for use with your own workplace Biggest Loser Club. We also may be able to provide speakers if you would like to set up a lunch and learn at your workplace.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

 (Source: Janet Tietyen, associate extension professor in Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kentucky.)