Hospital Sponsors Innovative Program to Help Adults Establish Healthy Eating Habits

BIDMC Contact: M Pantridge
Phone: 781-453-3891
Email: mpantridge@bidneedham.org

You can take long-lasting control of your eating habits and weight this fall by participating in an innovative, proven program sponsored by Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham.

"Healthy Eating Every Day" is a lifestyle management course that helps participants improve their health by teaching kills that foster realistically paced, lasting behavior change. These skills will be taught by a trained professional in weekly meetings at the hospital that run from Sept. 13 through Dec. 13.

A free information session will be held in Conference Room A at BID-Needham Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m.

"This program is the opposite of a fad diet," says instructor Mari Ryan of Advancing Wellness, co-sponsor of the program. "Our interactive sessions show participants how to make gradual changes that last. With this approach, there are no 'bad' foods. Participants can eat everything they like within a healthy, balanced framework."

The "Healthy Eating" curriculum was developed during a two-year clinical trial. Some of the topics it addresses are: principles of healthy eating; setting goals and rewarding yourself; eating out; healthy shopping strategies; getting back on track after a lapse; preparing your own meals; managing time and stress; and staying motivated.

The program is a companion to the "Active Living Every Day" course the hospital offered last spring. Using a similar model for behavior change, "Active Living" focuses on exercise and fitness. Eight people completed the course successfully.

"The program really helped me make a commitment to exercise and stay motivated," said "Active Living" participant Bob Dunning of Needham, who never missed a meeting and is still exercising. "I urge anyone who is interested in losing weight to try this powerful approach."

The cost of the program is $275. BID-Needham patients, volunteers and employees may participate for a discounted rate of $225. The program fee includes a pedometer and textbook. To register, please call Mari Ryan at 617-921-0784.