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At Work teams embrace a new way to eat

Nutrition. Where do we even begin with such a daunting subject?

Most of us are familiar with the food pyramid, but there is a lot more involved in a healthy diet.

Many of the At Work teams this year are interested in adapting a healthy diet into their lifestyle.

Many teams mention eating more fruits and vegetables, trying healthier foods, cutting out fast food to name a few ways they are incorporating new eating habits.

Sugars come in many shapes and forms including soda, juice, energy drinks, and even fruit heavy smoothies - all of which can be a culprit to weight gain.

Team captain Michelle Sprainis of "TTI's Tons of Love" of TTI, Inc. says she wants to "to cut out as much liquid sugar as possible which is also one of my goals to reduce my belly fat."

Some At Work teams hope to lessen the burden of a complete diet change and are looking for alternatives to their favorite comfort foods.

Kim Moore, team captain for Redstone Wealth Advisor's "Redstone Renegades" is taking a unique route with hopes to "find alternatives for favorite condiments (buy low- or no-sugar ketchup, barbecue sauces, etc.); make homemade salad dressings; find fulfilling substitutes for comfort food.

Tracy Hancock of Daily Herald's team "PC Flubber" is "trying to cut out the 'midnight' snack and stay within her calorie limits" and to "limit the amount of processed foods she eats by counting calories and portion control."

Birthdays or other celebrations are a big challenge.

At Work veteran and team captain George Sullivan of Village of Hanover Park Finance Department's "Hanover Net Loss" celebrated team member Andrea Granias' birthday and says, "Instead of cake, we enjoyed yogurt, veggie tray, fruits, and local cheddar chips."

Another focus of teams is finding adequate protein.

Nikki Bittner, team captain for Mount Prospect Park District's "MPPD All In!" says her team wants to "add more protein" and Brani Rogic, team captain for Common Sense Solutions' "CSS Truffle Shuffle" wants to "try to incorporate more plant-based proteins."

Trying to keep track of what we eat isn't always easy, but team captain Keith Sher of "Losers Do Win" says his team is "using an app to count our calories."

Teams are on the right track and many are experiencing tremendous weight loss. Team captain Lenna Bohlman of NEC Display's "Weapons of Less Consumption" says her team has already lost 16 pounds and other teams are also experiencing similar weight loss early in the competition.

At Work teams will be able to learn more about diet in upcoming nutritional classes provided by Jewel-Osco, Elk Grove Park District, and Cooking Skills Academy.

Village of Hanover Park Finance Department's "Hanover Net Loss" are celebrating Andrea Granias' birthday with healthy snacks, and yes those are bean chips pictured! Left to right is Tomas Reis, Ruth Roenna, Andrea Granias, Sheryl Donovan, and George Sullivan. Courtesy of Team Hanover Net Loss
Redstone Wealth Advisors' "Redstone Renegades" are bringing healthy lunches to work instead of ordering takeout and are reducing sugars by drinking unsweetened sparkling water. Courtesy of Redstone Renegades
Fitz Chem, LLC's "Skinny Dippers" are pictured enjoy a "build your own salad." Left to right, Barb Merner, Laura House, Sonja Jacobson, Lori Tobler, and Brany Thompson. Courtesy of Skinny Dippers
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