Need help with that weight loss resolution? Try this program

By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
If getting healthy is at the top of your list of resolutions this year, a new program beginning this week in Hartselle can teach you how.
The Urban Nutrition Education Program focuses on healthy eating, health and wellness, food safety skills, healthy food preparation, smart shopping techniques and hands-on demonstrations for healthy snacks and recipes.
The 10-week program is free and open to Morgan County residents of all ages beginning today, Thursday, Jan. 19, at 8:45 a.m. at the Pleasant Place (located on Sparkman Street across from Hartselle Medical Center). Classes will continue to meet each Thursday at the same time and location.
Della Miller, Alabama Cooperative Extension System agent assistant, said this is the fifth year the program has been presented in Morgan County.
"This program targets young working parents, youth and senior citizens," Miller explained. "We discuss a wide variety of subjects like food safety, the difference between fitness and wellness and we have many food demonstrations with food samples available to everyone. The food demonstrations let participants see that different cooking techniques and smart food choices taste good and are healthier."
Miller said every lesson taught and recipe demonstrated is then sent home with participants at the conclusion of each class. The program's hands-on approach reinforces the importance of healthy living by meeting the following goals:
"We are not dieticians and we do recommend each participant discuss changes in diet or exercise with their doctors first," Miller said. "We want people to realize the importance of healthy choices in diet and exercise for better and longer lives."
The Urban Nutrition Education Program is implemented through the Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs unit of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University, co-funded by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Food Stamp Division of The Alabama Department of Human resources under the umbrella of the Food and Nutrition Service United States Department of Agriculture.
The Urban Nutrition Education Program also offers participants information on food stamps if eligible to apply.
For more information on the Urban Nutrition Education Program or to schedule a program to be presented to your community or group, contact Della Miller at 773-2549.