HAWC issues weight loss challenge to Team Barksdale

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  In anticipation of the holiday season, the Health and Wellness Center here has issued a challenge to the Barksdale community.

Beat the Bird, a healthy living and weight loss promoting competition, will take place Oct. 21 through January, 9, 2012.

"Our goal is to encourage physical activity and healthy eating through the holidays," said Leah Beckham, HAWC health and fitness specialist. "Traditionally, everyone gains weight during that time because of all the parties and the food. This is our way of encouraging everyone to maintain their current weight, or lose some, through education, fitness and nutrition."

The self-paced competition will challenge participants to maintain their current weight plus or minus two pounds. In addition, contestants will earn points for working out and attending nutrition classes during the challenge.

Beckham said the Beat the Bird challenge will not be the typical biggest loser style competition.

"This is not about who can lose the most weight, it's about learning to live a healthier lifestyle through eating and exercise," she said. "This is a lifestyle change, not a temporary fix."

Beckham said hopes after participating in the competition and leading a healthier lifestyle for 12 weeks, participants will permanently change their habits and continue exercising and eating right.

For its part, the HAWC will offer a nutrition seminar and weekly fitness class to the challenge participants. Beckham said the sessions, appropriately named Turkey Trots, will involve running and strength training, and will help the contestants kick-off their program in time for Thanksgiving.

"The average American gains at least five to 10 pounds over the holidays and many never lose the weight," said Beckham. "Over the course of a decade this five to 10 pound weight gain can turn into 10, 20 or even 50 pounds, and since most people make resolutions to lose weight for the new year, this can help them reach those weight loss goals or maybe not have any to lose at all."

Beckham said in her experience, holiday fitness programs keep people from getting complacent.

"We just want people to be more conscious of what they are putting into their bodies and not just sit around watching TV," she said. "Get up, get out and do something instead of watching that football game."

One facet of the challenge that will surely keep the competitors on the right track is the Five-A-Day point option. Participants will have the chance to earn one additional point each day for consuming five servings of fruits or vegetables.

Jennifer Coney, HAWC dietician, said the key to the competition and living a healthier lifestyle is moderation.

"You can still have all your favorite holiday foods, but the key is portion sizes and learning how to fit them into your meal plan," she said. "No one wants to be told they can't eat their favorite foods."

Registration for Beat the Bird is Oct. 3-4. Those wishing to participate as a group can register in groups of four to six. The first weigh-in for the challenge will be Oct. 17-21. For more information, contact the HAWC at 456-8046.