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Nearly four months into the new year, how is that New Years resolution of losing weight and eating right? Exercise specialists and registered dietitians with the Slender U program offered by the DCH SpineCare Center can help you get on track to your way to healthier eating and weight management.

Registered and Licensed Dietitian and Culinary Specialist Kim Chism puts the finishing touches on a tilapia dish she prepared during a cooking techniques session of Slender U.

Slender U includes two four-week sessions. You can sign up for both sessions or choose to participate in just one of them.

The first four-week session includes a free one-on-one session with a registered dietitian to set goals and determine individual needs. In addition, time is spent with an exercise specialist who talks about the importance of a regular exercise routine. 

Weekly group classes include tips from a registered dietitian on how to manage a healthy diet to help participants learn how to achieve their weight and fitness goals.

The second four-week session focuses on the techniques of cooking. This session of Slender U is unlike any other weight management/nutritional program in the area. Actual food demonstrations by Registered and Licensed Dietitian and Culinary Specialist Kim Chism are held during each of the one-hour sessions. While she's preparing the food, Ms. Chism discusses maximizing flavor with healthier ingredient choices.

"The culinary portion of the Slender U sessions has been included because we want participants to feel comfortable eating the foods they already enjoy," Ms. Chism said. "Our goal is to help them learn and understand that foods they enjoy can still be eaten, usually with just minor adjustments to ingredients and portion sizes."

"With the exercise emphasis included in the Slender U sessions, we feel that this shows the participant we take seriously the important role that consistent physical activity plays in the overall management of health and fitness," Ms. Chism said. "The session activities are a serious commitment for the staff and the participant. We are there with them, working to make their lifestyle goals a reality."   

Other Wellness Services
In addition to Slender U, the SpineCare Center offers the Back to Life fitness program. An exercise specialist develops individualized fitness programs for Back to Life participants to help them increase their overall fitness level and/or to reduce pain.

For more information about Slender U and the dates for the next sessions, call 205-343-8864, or click here.