There’s a lot packed into the name of this program: Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less. But before you judge this weight loss program by its title, you should also know that it’s based on principals that have been thoroughly researched and proven to work.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less was created by a partnership of North Carolina State University, NC Cooperative Extension, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine and the NC Division of Public Health. It’s part of a larger initiative in North Carolina that goes by the same name. It’s a 15-week course that teaches participants how to live more mindfully, both when it comes to eating and physical activities. Although there are a few Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less courses taught in North Carolina, the majority of classes are taught online and will be soon open to the general public. Interested participants can sign up now, and will receive a special discount for signing up before August 26th.
Each weekly online class is taught live by an instructor who is also available to answer questions. To get an idea of what the class is like, I participated in one of their weekly demo classes led by Jamie Pittman, a program coordinator. During the session, you can see a live video of the instructor, chat with classmates and interact in a number of other ways. There’s also an interactive white board that’s uses to lay out key points and ideas.
Jamie says that each class is focused around finding strategies to help people eat better and be more active. There’s nothing prescriptive about the diet or exercise recommendations, but rather, the courses explore how to change behavior. “Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is not a diet, so there are no diet plans, specific foods, or exercises that a person would need to be a part of the program,” Jamie explains. “This may be a drawback for someone who is looking for a regimented program.” For others, the flexibility of the eating plan makes Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less a success, where other diet plans failed for being to restrictive. Participants will learn about sensible portions, how to eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and how to create a calorie deficit.
The program also provides users with plenty of support and helps them stay accountable for their progress. Participants are encouraged to keep a journal of both their daily meals and their physical activity. Each week, participants log their minutes of aerobic activity and strength training for the instructors to review. Participants are also encouraged to find a classmate to buddy with, to share experiences and tips with throughout the week.
Jamie emphasizes the fact that each lesson in the Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less curriculum is based on research, and was developed largely with public health programs in mind. “It’s not about making money for us,” she says.
Win a Free Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less 15-Week Session!
Eligibility: Post a comment below telling us what you find to be the biggest challenge when it comes to losing weight.
Drawing: Five winners will be drawn and announced 9/15/11, and awarded with a spot in a 15-week Eat Smart, Move More. Weight Less program, valued at $150. You will be able to enroll in any session of your choice before September 1, 2024.
*DISCLAIMER: Only residents of the U.S. are eligible to win. DietsInReview.com will draw one winner September 15, 2024 and will notify winner via the email used in the comment form. Winner has five business days to respond and claim prize or forfeit prize. DietsInReview.com may replace the prize with one of equal value if prize is not available. Prize value is $150.00; not redeemable for cash. Prize provided by Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less.