LaSalle loses some weight

By Caleb Workman

 

LaSalle recreational teams have been pushing to improve the lifestyles of residents in the community with programs, activities and food.

People from LaSalle and its surrounding areas have come together for a six-week time period to better their lives with a healthy eating program. According to Patricia Cabagay, the assistant developer and organizer of the program, the most recent group has collectively lost 200 pounds.

“There are six or seven people who lost over 10 pounds in six weeks,” said Cabagay. “Several people have changed their eating habits and their exercise. Several people have also joined the gym since the introduction of the clean eating and other programs here at the Vollmer.”

Cabagay said most people don’t know there are alternatives out there to replace the unhealthy food they eat.

“I want LaSalle to know that there are healthier choices out there,” said Cabagay. “When you’re going in the grocery stores you know that there are certain foods you shouldn’t be eating. Especially the ones who have kids, it’s important the parents are the role models for the kids.”

Cabagay and the organizers will hold another program in April that is planned to be called “Commit to be Fit.” This run of the program was 16-year-old Lucas Towle’s second time participating.

“When I saw the terrifying number on the scale a few months ago I got started,” said Towle. “I walked in the first time they had it and I really liked it so I got involved.”

Towle and many other members of the program said cravings are the hardest thing to control while attempting to lose weight.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, what your body size is, you need the mindset that you can’t lose easily,” said Towle. “I remember there was this guy who walked into the gym when I first started the program and I talked to him because he wanted to know more about the gym and if he could lose 100 pounds in three months. If you have the dedication you can do it, but three months for that much weight is kind of unrealistic.”

Towle said it takes time and dedication and that is something the people coming in should keep in mind so they stick through the program.

“The program is very good,” said John Guarini, 50. “Everybody is very encouraging and it provides new ideas on how to control your eating habits and diet and help you make changes.”

This was Guarini’s first program but he said it will not be his last. He said there are many challenges he comes across every day and the program is his biggest help.

“I think it’s going to be easier to control my eating habits moving forward, maintaining it will be the biggest struggle,” said Guarini. “It’s very hard to maintain because it’s so easy to go back to your older habits. It’s the power of saying no.”

The program in April will be held as a six week program and is open to everybody from the area. There will be guidance and tips for anyone who comes out.