TIME IS running out for families to join the new MEND program of fitness and nutrition that’s more fun than hard work.
MEND, which stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!, is a free 10-week program for families with children ages seven to 13, who are above a healthy weight to live a healthy lifestyle.
“It’s such a good opportunity for families,” says Kim MacDougall of the city’s leisure services. “It’s something families can do together.”
The program, which has been in Britain for about 10 years now and came to Canada two years ago, is not a diet, she explained, it’s the basics of nutrition and exercise and how to make exercise fun.
“It’s just about feeling good and being happy and healthier as a family,” said MacDougall.
She stresses that the program is not a diet – diets can be restrictive in what foods a person can eat, while this program teaches moderation with what people eat.
One example of the information given is showing how much sugar and fat is in a small chocolate bar like the type given out for Halloween. Even though the chocolate bar is small, it is made up primarily of fat and sugar.
The program starts off slowly with the basics and gradually gets into the topics with more depth.
A dietitian will talk about nutrition and answer any questions that come up.
There’s also an exercise leader and theory leader and all of the leaders can provide assistance as needed.
“It’s totally free and they get a really cool t-shirt and binder with all the information and a packsack and at the end, they get a three-month family pass to continue on that journey,” said MacDougall, adding that families also will have access to a website and emails to keep them going afterward.
And although it’s aimed at children ages seven to 13, their siblings can come along too.
If parents are worried about being judged for their children’s health going into the program, they don’t need to worry as there’s no judgment in the program.
“And they get to be with their peers, people who have the same challenges as you so that should make it a nice friendly atmosphere,” said MacDougall.
The exercise part goes from basics into more organized sports, like soccer.
People sometimes come up with their own ideas for how to have a sweet treat within a healthy lifestyle – MacDougall knew someone who decided that if she wanted a chocolate bar, she would have to walk to the store to get it, so that way it really was a treat after she worked for it.
Part of the program is a grocery store tour so participants can learn to read labels.
“We teach you to break that down,” said MacDougall.
The deadline to sign up for MEND is October 27, and while the maximum number of families is 15, at least eight are needed for the program to happen.
For more details or to register, contact Kim MacDougall at 615-3025 or mend@terrace.ca.