Weight-loss challenge

BY ELYSE AMEND

elyse.amend@transcontinental.ca

When it comes to food, the holiday season stands next to none in terms of temptation. With bountiful meals, extravagant desserts, and plenty of sugar-laden treats, it’s no surprise some of the top New Year’s resolutions are about getting fit or losing weight.

“I was thinking most people, come January, say, I’m going to start, I need to do something,” said Dorval resident Lynette Gunraj, whose own New Year’s resolution is to stay more active in 2008.

Gunraj has decided to set up an eight-week weight loss challenge, starting on Jan. 7. It is open to anyone who wants to get rid of those extra pounds in the New Year.

Participants will meet and exercise together once a week and continue remaining active on their own as well. The participation fees will be pooled together and given to the winner of the weight loss challenge at the end of the eight-week period.

After taking part in the Jewish General Hospital’s 60 kilometre Walk to End Breast Cancer two summers in a row, Gunraj said she realized such organized activities help people stay involved and focused.

“With the Walk to End Breast Cancer […] if I didn’t have that commitment, I probably wouldn’t do it,” she said of the training sessions she and the other walkers went through to prepare for the event. For [the weight loss challenge], you have to commit. You have to be there once a week. It’s just something really simple, but it’s fun.”

According to Marion Lowe, the adult group fitness and wellness co-ordinator at the West Island YMCA, staying active as a group can be beneficial for many people: group-cohesion is a big part of it, she said, because it can create a sense of community among older adults.

“Going into a group activity gives them a sense of connection,” she said, adding group-exercise and activities can help encourage people of all ages. “Motivation seems to be one of the top three reasons people stick to a group setting.”

Every bit counts

Although trying to lose pounds during the holiday season is difficult, maintaining your weight is possible, even though people tend to eat more and go to the gym less, Lowe said.

“Just keep moving and look at every opportunity you have to do a little bit throughout the day. They don’t have to necessarily look at putting an hour aside,” she said. Being active for 10 minutes three times during the day, for example, won’t help you lose weight, but it does have its health benefits. A family walk after dinner, a bowling night with friends, even doing the dishes after the big holiday meal all add up at the end of the day.

“Don’t fight the person at Fairview (Pointe Claire). Park that car as far away as you can and walk,” Lowe said. “Cleaning your house counts too.”

Checking out the holiday schedule at your gym or taking some time for at-home workouts are important for maintaining weight around this time of year, too, Lowe said.

And, as for eating: “It’s about mindfulness, which comes from yoga,” Lowe said. “Just be aware you are eating, and you’ll probably eat less.

“If they combine that, they can get through the holidays - without losing weight – but maintaining their weight.”

For more information on the weight loss challenge, call Lynette Gunraj at 514-242-6865.