by Mary Parker Draper, Smith County Extension Agent
In today’s world, eating healthy is often hard when restaurants are promoting the latest and greatest burger. The University of Tennessee Extension Office has created the Pathweighs to Health to help participants learn how to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle. The program is offered at Smith County Fitness Center.
Participants learn how to estimate their calorie needs based on age, gender and activity level. Using the national guidelines, participants plan healthy, low cost meals and learn how to stock their pantry for quick easy meals. Dr. Betty Greer, retired Professor and Nutrition Specialist at the University of Tennessee said most people do not know how many calories they need or how many they consume each day.
“There is a gap between knowing what to do and having the skills and motivation to overcome barriers,” Dr. Greer said. “The goal of the program is to make healthy living a lifetime habit.”
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 35 percent of calories come from highly processed, low-nutrient dense foods. The program assists participants to identify these foods, discover the effect they have on hunger and gain skill to select healthy alternatives.
Walking through a supermarket can feel like walking through a commercial. We teach them how to avoid the supermarket pitfalls that promote impulse buying.
Food is only part of learning to lead a healthy lifestyle; becoming and staying active is a key element. Many people live in neighborhoods that are unsafe for walking or provide few or no opportunities for physical activity. One of the goals of Pathweighs to Health is to help identify these barriers and develop plans to becoming more physically active.
Inadequate sleep can also impact weight. Simple strategies are taught for dealing with the stressful situations as well as tips for promoting better sleep. Some people have sleep problems that need medical attention. The program helps to identify symptoms that should be discussed with a doctor.
Pathweighs to Health is a six weeks program beginning Tuesday, October 15. The program will continue on October 22, 29, November 5, 12, and November 21. Sessions will begin at 12:00 and last approximately one hour and a half. The cost of the program is $40 and includes a tool kit as well as access to Smith County Fitness Center for the term of the program. For questions or to sign up for the program please call the extension office at 615-735-2900.
This week’s Food for Thought recipe was submitted by Carolyn Blair, Hickman FCE Club.
Crock Pot Bacon Wrap Chicken
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Wrap each chicken breast with bacon; place in bottom of crock pot. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
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