Scott Harnden, store manager of the Wal-Mart in Minden, presents a $1,000 check to Joan Almond of the LSU AgCenter, who is presenting a Smart Portions healthy weight program to employees. She will purchase pedometers for the participants. (Photo by Mary Ann Van Osdell) (Click on photo to download larger image.)

The LSU AgCenter began a second round of its Smart Portions program to associates at the Wal-Mart in Minden on Jan. 11, this time beginning with a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart to purchase pedometers.

The first time the program was offered (in August), 13 who documented their weight at the beginning and eighth class lost a total of 32.64 pounds collectively.

Seven pounds was the most lost, by one woman, and next was 5 pounds. There were others who verbally indicated that they had lost weight, but did not weigh in.

Joan Almond, LSU AgCenter agent, conducted the classes of Smart Portions, an LSU AgCenter healthy weight program. She compiled weight loss and body mass index statistics throughout the course. Participants also kept a food and activity journal.

“If you’re accountable, you do better,” said Almond. “You are much more aware of what you do and eat.”

Almond explained that weight-related illnesses include diabetes, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

Fifty-two people were in attendance for the first class this round. “I’m fired up about it,” said Scott Harnden, store manager. “A second exposure will get them primed and geared up. I expect better results since we are out of the holidays and there are no mental obstacles.”

Smart Portions is not a diet, but advocates learning healthy weight management techniques, Almond explained. Her first lesson encouraged participants to drink 64 ounces of water a day.

Almond, who has lost 52 pounds in 52 weeks, made a commitment to drink water instead of diet Dr Pepper, to walk every day and counts her food intake by writing down everything she eats.