Why Healthy Balance Works

• Informational Meetings
• Required Commitment
• Family Participation
• Lifestyle Alterations
• Small Groups
• Dedicated Staff

Informational Meetings

Informational workshops are offered to the community to introduce the program and determine an individual’s readiness for change. Each attendee completes an extensive questionnaire that includes a lifestyle history (medical, exercise, eating patterns, etc.) and a “Willingness to Change” profile developed for the program. Attendees are chosen for the program if the profile indicates that they are ready to make lifestyle changes. Individuals that indicate (through the profile) that they are not ready to make lifestyle changes are counseled on why they weren’t accepted and about necessary changes that need to be made to be included in future programs. Alternative courses of action are also discussed. This may seem harsh, but encouraging people to participate in the program who aren’t ready to make changes in their lifestyle sets them up for failure.

Required Commitment

All participants sign a “Responsibility Clause,” indicating that they understand that success or failure rests with them. Individuals are asked to move toward a healthier lifestyle by making small lifestyle changes each week. Participants take an active role in customizing their menu plans and exercise regimen. This signed “contract” helps to ensure that they at least try. Individual accountability is monitored throughout the program.

Family Participation

Family participation is strongly encouraged. Family members are invited to the first meeting and are presented with the “10 Commandments for Family Members,” which are guidelines family members use to help participants succeed. Family support is important, and has a direct effect on success.

Lifestyle Alterations

Healthy Balance is not a diet, but rather a program centered on educating participants on how to make small, healthy lifestyle changes in incremental steps. Extremes such as caloric restriction, elimination of food groups, etc., are not sustainable, and can lead to frustration and failure. Healthy Balance explains the pitfalls of these programs, and offers a safe alternative. This reduces the failure rate, because the small changes in diet and exercise are slowly introduced.

Small Groups

The small group setting (limited to 10 participants per eight-week session) provides peer support throughout the program. And, the one-on-one sessions provide opportunities for participants to ask questions that they may not be comfortable asking in a group setting. This combination allows the participants to customize the program to suit their own schedule and lifestyle.

Dedicated Staff

Healthy Balance instructors are certified personal trainers, certified nutrition specialists and trained Healthy Balance group instructors. They are supported by a sports dietitian (through LMA), and are provided with an instructor manual and participant handouts.