Cook County News Herald

Healthy Steps Group forms in Cook County




On September 1, 2010 Weight Watchers closed its Grand Marais location. Lee Bergstrom had been the Weight Watcher leader in Grand Marais for almost ten years as well as a lifetime member for about 20 years.

Members were very frustrated and were feeling abandoned with the closing of this meeting location that had been around for many years prior to Bergstrom becoming a leader. The group felt that the support given within the meetings, topics discussed, food plans and weekly weigh ins were vital to their continued success. At the request of the members, Bergstrom offered to continue to hold weekly meetings at the same time and location, but it would no longer be associated with Weight Watchers.

So, for the past eight weeks members have continued to weigh in and participate in group discussions lead by Lee Bergstrom. Some of the topics have included: Planning for
Success- Goal setting; Break the
Fast – the importance of breakfast;

Clean Eating principles
based on Tosca Reno’s Clean
Eating Diet; Staying the Course;
and Healthy Steps to a Healthy
Lifestyle – Growth or Decay?

Some of Bergstrom’s favorite recipes based on the clean eating principles have also been distributed at each meeting. Bergstrom notes that it is great to hear members comment on how good the recipes taste and report that family members like them too, as well as their successes and challenges with practicing the skills learned or being developed.

Bergstrom’s goal for continuing the meeting is to offer support and tools for those who are struggling with their health and weight. This is being accomplished by providing a weekly group support opportunity with the accountability and freedom to personally pursue good health. It includes a handout, weigh-in, group discussions on weight loss/maintenance skills, incorporating daily activity, eating behaviors, what it means to live a healthy lifestyle, healthy food choices and preparation with portion control.

The Healthy Steps Group Discussions are held every Wednesday evening in the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, lower level classroom. Anyone who has the desire to work on weight loss or maintenance skills is encouraged come to be a part. Weigh-in begins at 4:30 PM followed by a meeting from 5:00 – 5:30 PM. Thefee to participate is $5.00 per meeting or $45 for a consecutive ten-week period. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bergstrom at 218.387.1532; bergst1@boreal.org or just attend a meeting and see for yourself.


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