Hunt, part of group called The 3 Sisters with exercise expert Valerie Tomacelli and business coordinator Jackie Sedam, recently began a weight loss challenge with members of the Acton Fire Department.
Hunt spoke to The Beacon about her program and the Acton Firefighters’ success so far.
Q Why are you a weight loss expert?
A I have been a nurse for over 25 years and realized that the largest health issues facing America are directly related to and can be prevented by good nutrition. Heart disease is the number one killer in America and can be 98 percent preventable with changes to the American diet. Yes, there are some genetics involved but for the most part high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and high cholesterol are on an increase because of the rising obesity level.
I have struggled for 40-plus years with my weight and through the process of walking the walk have found that diet is only 80 percent and exercise is the other 20 percent. Good, healthy nutrition includes both. The medical association for years has said prevention is the way to go. I found a way to help reverse the problem and educate in the process to prevent people from yo-yo dieting.
Q Where did you get the idea of running a weight loss challenge?
A The idea for a weight loss challenge is not new; there is even a TV show, “The Biggest Loser” which motivates people to lose weight and win money. Our weight loss challenge does the same thing but on a much smaller scale and one community at a time.
Q How does the challenge work?
A It costs $39 to join; $25 goes into the pot, $10 goes to charity and $4 goes to defer the cost of running the program. It is a 12-week program; every week a different topic is covered such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, shopping, eating out and reading labels. It is interactive and fun. There are quizzes, games and most of all, the buddy system at its best.
The accountability is not only to the weight loss coaches or to the other people in the group, but most importantly the accountability is to yourself; that is fantastic.
On the 13th week, the top three losers win money and the there is even a prize for the most inches lost. The top winner gets half the pot and the other half is split 30 percent and 20 percent for the second and third place winners.
Q How successful have the firefighters been so far?
A The Acton Firefighters are only seven weeks into the challenge and have already lost a total of 95.2 pounds and 109 inches. We are also doing a challenge with the Clinton Firefighters and they have lost a total of 122.9lbs and 134 inches in 10 weeks.
The amazing thing is that both teams lost during the holidays when most people gain an average of 10 to 15 pounds.
Q What is your most surprising health tip?
A That no one should eat less than 1,200 calories per day because your body goes into survival mode and holds onto every ounce of fat you have. Starvation doesn’t work.
We are looking to do another weight loss challenge in the area and are looking for a minimum of 25 people to join the next one. If anyone would like to join a weight loss challenge, please call us. Also, if anyone would like to become a weight loss coach we will train you to become one to help fight the obesity epidemic in the
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