This article originally ran in the Ruston Daily Leader on Dec. 21, 2010, and you may also view this article at the Fount's web site.

The New Year is approaching quickly. It is time to reflect back - are there any changes you would like to make in the coming year? One of my challenges is to eat healthier and shed some pounds. Too many times we just focus on losing weight. Learning to balance the food we eat and exercise is the key. Support and encouragement from friends and family help keep us on track, too.

If you are struggling to start a healthy eating program, join the LSU AgCenter Smart Portions Class, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. The Smart Portions program will help you become more mindful of what you are eating while getting encouragement from other participants to stay on the right track.

In the Smart Portions program you will learn why it is important to be at a healthy weight. Did you know if you have gained 20 pounds since high school or if your waistline circumference is more than 35 inches (for women) or 40 inches (for men), you are at risk for the development of type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, and cardiovascular disease?

Smart Portions will teach you how to modify recipes by reducing or replacing or omitting an ingredient. You will learn the benefits of exercise and types of exercises that are good for you. Smart Portions will help you get in touch with emotional eating and stress eating habits. You will learn tips on how to make smart choices when eating away from home, and learn the nutrition essentials. It is never too late to learn how to make wise food choices.

This eight week “Smart Portions” program starts Thursday, January 13, 2011. The class will be taught for eight consecutive weeks, starting Thursday, Jan. 13, through March 3, 2011. Classes will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on the second floor in the educational building in room 208 (go to the office side of the building to find the class); be sure to look for the signs.
We will begin at 12:15 p.m. and finish up at 12:50 p.m. Participants are encouraged to come earlier to weigh-in. Cost of the program is $25.00, which will cover cost of items you will need to be successful in achieving your goal, plus give us some celebration money. Participants can win back some of their registration fee.

During the eight week course you will learn how to change your eating behaviors, we will talk about how stress may induce eating, how to make changes to your favorite recipes, learn what your body fat index says about you, the importance of exercise, what is the best kind of exercise, and how to read labels.

We will team up with each other for support. If you have a friend who is a good motivator, invite him or her to attend. The “Portions” program is great to get you started on healthy lifestyle changes. Each time the class is taught participants encourage each other to do their best. If you are like me, sometimes you have to be held accountable for your food actions and exercise to make the changes. Come join us if you are serious about making behavioral changes.

Please pre-register by calling our office at 318-251-5134 by Jan. 6, 2011. You must also fill out a registration packet, which you may download below. If you have a disability, which requires assistance for your participation in this program, call the Extension Office at least three days prior to the event so that any special needs may be met.

Please contact me for more information.