“Weigh-to-Go”

by Alicia Baldino

Forty students and staff have already signed up for a program that promises to help them develop a healthy lifestyle.  On February 9 the first “Weigh-to-Go” class will be held in the Alumni Lounge.

(Photo: Google )

Kim Dorval, Nutrition in Motion founder and a dietitian, will teach the eight week program, with two classes, every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Each class is one hour long. The class is free and covered under insurance.

The first class will consist of measuring each individual’s resting metabolism rate.  The rate is determined by a new portable device created by MedGem that measures resting metabolism and how many calories each body needs to function.

“This device helps me determine if anything is wrong.  The average healthy person’s metabolism number is their weight plus a zero,” said Dorval.

Based on this number and each person’s budget for food, a personalized meal plan will be created.

This “lifestyle change program” is offered to all students, faculty and members of the community.  There will be one-on-one counseling sessions outside the class Thursdays and Fridays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for more questions.

Dorval believes that education is the key ingredient in behavior change.  This program will teach necessary skills in order to improve health in a way that will last.  Dorval said that she has struggled with dieting in the past so she can relate to people who have the same issue.

“I’ve spent most of my adult life struggling with my weight,” said Dorval.  She became a dietitian because her passion is to spread nutrition services and help people make permanent lifestyle changes.

Karen Caisse, coordinator and benefits specialist at Franklin Pierce, said, “As of right now there are about 40 people signed up.  It is preferred that those interested e-mail me prior to the program to get a better idea of numbers of participants.”

Along with this program there are yoga and zumba classes being offered beginning February 14.  Caisse, said, “The only change we have is the new instructor for zumba, Sherry Pento.”  The zumba classes will be every Tuesday and cost $5 a class.

For more information on Kim Dorval and Nutrition in Motion visit the website at www.NIMNH.com.  For more information and to sign up for the “Weigh-to-Go” wellness program contact Karen Caisse at Caissek@franklinpierce.edu