Lifestyle

Classes help At Work participants learn about healthy eating

Posted May 06, 2018 7:00 am

By Kat Polomsky kpolomsky@dailyherald.com

Elk Grove Park District's Elk Strong are enjoying a healthy lunch made of quinoa, black beans, and fire roasted tomatoes to help give them the energy needed for the evening's workout. From left to right: Irene Faciano, Brenda Piscopo, Jennifer LoBosco, and captain Aileen Tischauser. Photo courtesy of Elk Strong

This year, Fittest Loser At Work participants took advantage of several classes to assist with their healthy eating habits.

Jewel-Osco hosted guided tours with registered dietitians Samantha Wolfe and Melissa O'Brien to help make routine shopping trips easier and healthier.

Participants also took advantage of live cooking demonstrations at Cooking Skills Academy to learn preparation techniques, healthy alternatives, easy meal options, and how to meal prep for the week.

Monique Costello of Happy Eats Healthy hosted a webinar to discuss inflammation basics, including what inflammation is; what foods cause and reduce inflammation; and nonfood tactics to fight inflammation.

At Work participants have been making lifestyle changes using the valuable tips learned from these classes and are now celebrating the rewards.

Brenda Piscopo of Elk Grove Village Park District's Elk Strong was feeling slightly discouraged because she hasn't seen as much weight loss as she hoped, but after a visit to her endocrinologist, she is now celebrating.

Brenda's team captain Aileen Tischauser says, "They tested her A1c and it had gone down to a number lower than it has ever been. They lowered her insulin because of this! Along with the A1c, her blood pressure also was well within the norm. We attribute this all to portion control and eating slower."

Other participants are celebrating changes in their health with cholesterol and blood pressure results returning to optimal levels.

Beth McGonagle of We 5 Losers shows off her protein shake to prepare her for the day. Photo courtesy of We 5 Losers

Garry Kiekens of We 5 Losers with his favorite protein snack bars. Photo courtesy of We 5 Losers

Lisa Fiveash of We 5 Losers shows her colorful vegetable snacks. Photo courtesy of We 5 Losers

Hanover Park Police Department's Pounds for Blue #3 are showing off their low-calorie salads as they strive to reach their team goal to lose 100 Lbs. From left to right: Dan Granias, George Sullivan, Santos Diaz, and Chuck Plaia. Photo courtesy of Pounds for Blue

Carol Kowal from Turco Roofing's Spin to Win 1 found that healthy choices can be made even while dining out. Photo courtesy of Spin to Win

Franciscan Ministries' Transformation Nation enjoys a healthy lunch during the final team meeting before final weigh-ins. From left to right: Cate Wurzer, Nancy Biggio, Captain Greg Belback, and Tatiana Gutirrez. Photo courtesy of Transformation Nation

Karen Christopoulos of Turco Roofing's Spin to Win 1 enjoys a healthy snack at work. Photo courtesy of Spin to Win

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