A new program for people who want to fit weight loss into their daily lives is about to begin at Richmond County Cooperative Extension.

Over the course of 12 weeks, the “Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less” program will explore behaviors are proven to help participants achieve and maintain a healthy weight. According to Clinton McRae, director of County Extension, a big part of reaching this goal is getting into a new state of mind.

“Most weight loss resolutions do not last long because they are resolutions only, and not behavior changes. There are so many challenges or barriers that tend to derail our diet plans. Well, the word ‘diet’ is part of the problem.

“A diet is a simple way of describing what you eat, whether it is high or low-fat foods. The answer to any weight loss plan is a simple equation, calories in versus calories out.”

According to Carolyn Dunn, PhD., a Professor and Nutrition Specialist at North Carolina State University and one of the “Eat Smart, Move More” authors, the program makes weight loss and better health accessible for all different kinds of people.

“One of the main reasons that we created “Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less” is that there are plenty of things out there that people can join to lose weight, but they aren’t always very economical.”

The program cost is a one-time enrollment fee of $10. Participants have the option of signing up for one of the two sessions offered every Wednesday for 12 weeks. The first “bring your lunch and learn” session begins at noon; the second at 6 p.m. All sessions will last from 45 minutes to an hour.

“This is something that you learn how to do for the rest of your life,” said Dunn. “They (participants) will not get a prescribed diet or an exercise plan, but they will learn about critical strategies like not skipping meals, making sure that you eat breakfast, and planning for eating and exercise throughout the day.”

Participants receive a progress journal and a magazine with tips and recipes to keep them on track. Weekly weigh-ins with a “buddy” are also scheduled.

“Participants learn to pay attention to what they are eating and listen to their bodies,” said Dunn. “They also learn to be mindful of how much activity they are getting each day.”

“Eat Smart, Move More, Weight Less” will run from March 17 to June 3 at Richmond County Cooperative Extension. Pre-registration is required by March 6. For more information or to register contact the Extension office at 997-8255.

All checks should be made payable to Richmond County Cooperative Extension and can be submitted to Richmond County Cooperative Extension, PO Box 1358, Rockingham, NC 28380.