You can be the biggest loser and be happy about it
The search is on for the biggest loser. And by becoming the biggest loser, your health can be a winner as a six-week healthier lifestyle programme kicks-off next Tuesday, February 17, at 7.30 p.m. in the Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar, where participants will face the weighing scales.
The night is merely a registration and familiarity session for the Move It To Lose It programme, which will see teams of five taking part in what will hopefully be a weight-loss programme without too much pain and a lot of gain. If you can’t get four others to join you, come along anyway because individuals will also be catered for.
This is a follow-on from last year’s very successful Operation Transformation, with Western Care on board as the main benefactor, while expert advice on healthy eating will be given by nutritionist Carina Kennedy and the staff of Breaffy House Resort will also be on hand to get the participants into shape with some basic exercise drills.
The programme will cover a certain amount of activity indoors but will also combine that with some small walks and a few cycles, as well as one climb, as it endeavours to mix the indoors with the outdoors.
The important thing is that this is not a pressurised programme to lose weight but one to be enjoyed rather than endured.
Fundraising manager with Western Care, Joe Brett, said the concept is tied in with the Lenten period without fasting too much and it may help some people towards a small adjustment in lifestyle in a bid to enjoy a healthier, less stressful and happier lifestyle.
Said Joe: “The emphasis will be on having a bit of fun and at the same time dropping a few pounds without having to go through the pain barrier or starve yourself to death.
“While there are prizes for the biggest losers in terms of weight, this is not a competition and hopefully people will come along to support a good cause and improve their own health at the same time.”
Nutritionist Carina Kennedy said it's about eating the right way for your body. “There are some simple rules that apply to all but to get the best results it's about tailoring a plan to your needs. What we eat plays a huge part in determining our health and really a healthy lifestyle is an investment in our future health.
“I’m not one for diets. It is all about healthy eating, and if you eat the right foods it is amazing the changes it will bring about in just a short time. It is also worth noting that people can continue to eat what they enjoy. It's a matter of getting the balance right and controlling the tendency to snack too much.
“People think if they avoid meals or eat less they will lose weight, but it doesn’t work that way. You will drop a few pounds, be healthier and happier by just making some adjustments in what you are eating and the time of day you eat, or, more importantly, don’t eat, as some people think that by avoiding meals it is healthy but, in fact, the opposite is the case.”
Cathy Geraghty will be putting participants through some basic drills without killing anyone.
Said Cathy: “We have a number of exercise programmes suitable for all ages and abilities, and the emphasis will once again be on enjoying it while at the same time getting some physical benefit from the activities.”
Nutritionist Carina Kennedy will give a talk on Tuesday night on aspects of healthier eating, while Cathy Geraghty, PE instructor with Breaffy House Resort, will also provide some information on basic exercises that can be done to improve your fitness levels.
The programme is suitable for all age groups. There will be events held every Tuesday night, while some walks and cycles, which are optional, will be held around Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, on one or two Saturdays. There is a cost of €7 each Tuesday night over the six weeks (members of Breaffy House Resort can take part for just €4).