This year I’m aiming to help Islanders lose 20 000 pounds. On my quest to trim down Islanders, I’ve been lead outside the office and into communities more often.  When a resident from Grand Tracadie contacted me via email to inquire about my roaming weight loss group challenge I responded enthusiastically.  And 2 weeks later I was launching my next community challenge.

Ever since I was a little girl, my parents would take me to Tracadie beach. Known for its beautiful sand and strong rip tide, this beach is a favorite with ISLANDERS. Mostly because it’s free and on the edge of the provincial park. To view some pretty photos of the area check out this site, http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/grandtracadie/

The Municipality of Grand Tracadie was incorporated in 1984 and has a population of 543, with 6 residents  joining the challenge. These ladies were all experienced dieters, so I knew I had my work cut out for me from day 1.  Our first class consisted of a meet and greet, doing start- up weights and measurements, passing out educational articles + recipes, and explaining the individualized meal plan.

I’m proud to say that after 1 week on program, the “Grand” Tracadie ladies are indeed “Smaller”. Infact their results impressed me. The 6 women lost 24 pounds and 52.25 inches after the first week. What impressed me even more was how excited they were about being healthy again. One of them said to me, “it’s like your program and enthusiasm turned back on the weight loss switch inside my body. Awesome. 

During  the second class I asked the ladies if they had a story they would like to share where they avoided temptation. Yes I do admit, from time to time I feel like a dietary priest. The ladies began talking about a community cake auction that took place as a fundraiser for local events. Not only did the majority of group members have to bake cakes, it seems like they felt the need to buy them too.  The cakes either went to the freezer or to their family members right away. That was the right choice.

It seems like no matter how hard you try; unhealthy food will always be thrown in your face and most likely within social situations. When you are stronger then the urge to give in, you are in dietary control. And that my friend, is a dieters nirvana.

I look forward to working with these ladies over the next few weeks as our challenge continues……

Are you interested in hosting a workplace or community weight loss challenge hosted by Registered Holistic Nutritionist Rachelle Wood? Call 892-SLIM or email us for more info.