Local residents Dean Norman and Debby Felske both made that commitment by participating in the Lifestyle Change Class, an evidence-based National Diabetes Prevention Program offering diabetes prevention education and support for people with prediabetes. The class is offered at no charge through Crow Wing Energized’s network of volunteer coaches who host classes at various locations throughout the year.
Norman decided to give the class a try after he had been looking at himself in the mirror, trying to fit into a pair of blue jeans that wouldn’t button … and after prompting from his wife.
He found he learned tips that would truly help him make lifestyle changes.
“Simply put, being accountable regarding to what I eat, how much I eat, staying active, and most importantly, being accountable to myself emotionally and my body physically” were all things Norman said he learned.
Dean Norman was a participant in a Lifestyle Change Class offered by Crow Wing Energized. A new session of classes is set to begin in January. Submitted photo
Norman discovered some things that surprised him as well.
“Initially, after giving up soda and drinking more water, I realized how much soda dehydrated my body. Also, using more spices in preparing meals and less fats (soups, dressing, condiments etc.) enhanced the flavor of the foods,” he said. “Before purchasing an item, I found myself looking at the ingredients instead of the product. I was startled to see how many grams of fat are in the processed foods on the grocery aisle. Too much bread is difficult to digest. When going to a restaurant, I found that it is OK to be assertive (dressing on the side, hamburger without a bun, etc.). On a sober note, I’ve had to buy more clothes as my blue jeans no longer fit!”
He found the members in the class were fun to be with, providing insights and encouragement. He recognized he wasn’t alone in making the commitment to the program and setbacks are just part of life.
“Setbacks aren’t a matter of if it comes our way but a matter of when. It may seem like a little thing but not staying active and taking an extra helping has a direct impact on my outlook on life. The class gave me the reminder that it’s normal to have setbacks. It also reminded me to stop and make the healthy choice, not based on how I feel but what’s best.”
And how is his health now? “Where do I begin. My blood pressure has dropped significantly, and my cholesterol is within normal limits. I’m no longer obese,” Norman said. “My energy and endurance level has increased significantly. As an example, being that I’m pushing 70, this past weekend I carried my ground blind and backpack close to a mile while deer hunting and felt pretty good.”
He offers this advice to others: “Taking the class isn’t a place to feel guilty about why you feel or how you look. But rather, a place you can learn how to change and be encouraged in a lifestyle that can be used for the rest of your life. I would suggest not looking solely at weight loss as a priority in taking the class, but rather learning how making healthy choices has a direct impact on how one feels about themselves and their relationships.”
Norman’s commitment to changing his lifestyle made a notable difference in his life. Local resident Debby Felske felt the same.
Felske decided to join a Lifestyle Change Class to relearn about healthy eating and living. “As I aged, it was much harder to lose weight. The class offered so many helpful hints. The weekly weigh-in kept me honest. Teaching me about the apps available to count fats and calories was so helpful,” she said. “The benefit of knowing that I could be in charge of the food and it did not have power over me was very exciting.”
Debby Felske participated in a Lifestyle Change Class offered through Crow Wing Energized. A new session of classes will begin in January. Submitted photo
The Lifestyle Change Class is a year-long prevention program. Groups meet with a trained lifestyle coach once a week for 16 weeks followed by eight monthly sessions to help participants set personal goals to lose weight, eat healthier and increase physical activity. Felske was surprised at how close everyone in her class became, with everyone really supporting each other in their journey, whatever it was.
She also found the coach to be key to her success. “Our leader was amazing. I never felt she was judgmental. Her weekly emails were always encouraging. Writing down what I ate, how many calories and fat grams each food had and the exercise I did help me hold myself accountable. She sent out emails to keep us on track even after our year was up. She gave us a saying that I have on my water bottle and behind my desk that I look at several times a day: ‘When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.’ It was a great experience and well worth the time.”
Lifestyle Change Classes will launch in January in Brainerd, Baxter and Pequot Lakes. Watch for registration details at crowwingenergized.org.
Do you love the holidays, but struggle with keeping on track with your physical activity?
Or maybe you just want to start your New Year’s resolutions early by being more active?
Commit to run, walk or move a mile every day, get active and enjoy a personal reward. The Crow Wing Energized Holiday Fitness Streak begins on Thanksgiving and continues until New Year’s Day for a total of 35 days. Use the chart to motivate yourself — and maybe a loved one will join you.
https://www.brainerddispatch.com/lifestyle/health/4784364-Crow-Wing-Energized-Making-a-lifestyle-change
2019-11-25 09:00:00Z
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