Karla Edwards still dreads stepping onto the scale. These days, however, the number she sees represents progress.
The 47-year-old La Center resident lost 30 pounds during the past year. Her desire to lose weight started after persistent health problems. A 12-week-weight loss challenge provided her with motivation.
Edwards and her 23-year-old daughter, Chante, plan to be in attendance when the second annual La Center weight-loss challenge begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the La Center Community Center, 1000 E. Fourth St.
Though in its relative infancy, the program has already made a difference in the lives of dozens of La Center’s adults and youth, wellness coach Pam Tetz said. She credited city leaders with supporting the program since its start.
The so-called biggest loser in the inaugural weight-loss challenge lost 33 pounds. Meanwhile, the program’s participants raised $560 for the La Center Community Education Fund, Tetz said.
“We’re not only helping kids change their life, but we’re helping adults change their life by learning about proper nutrition,” the wellness coach said.
Participants will have the option of attending a Tuesday or Saturday class each week. All classes start at 9 a.m.
Those interested can contact Tetz at 360-369-4736 to sign up. There is no deadline to register, but preregistration is encouraged, Tetz said.
The program’s $35 fee goes toward prizes and charitable donations. While the program is designed for adults, teens older than 14 can participate with parental consent.
The top three “losers” win half of the money raised. The other half will be donated this year to La Center High School, which will then pass it onto the YMCA’s Phoenix program geared toward transforming the lives of teens between the ages of 14 and 18.
Last year’s wellness program attracted 42 participants.
Tetz discusses proper nutrition, the need for exercise and the factors within one’s life that lead to obesity. The atmosphere is relaxed and jovial, Edwards said.
People wishing to lose weight should keep a journal of what food and liquids they consume, Tetz said. Cutting 500 calories per day from your diet can lead to one pound in weight loss per week. Making that happen requires exercise, increased water consumption and a diet with less sugar and more lean protein, the wellness coach added.
“It comes down to knowing what you put in your body and knowing what you should put in your body,” Tetz said.
Even after 47 years, this is still a learning process for Edwards. She finished third in last year’s weight loss challenge, after shedding 21 pounds in 12 weeks. She lost nine more pounds post-challenge and hopes to lose 100 more pounds. That will only come from dogged determination and the willpower to face the dreaded scale each week.
“It’s a day-to-day process,” Edwards said. “It has to be. It’s not like alcohol or drugs that you can quit. Food is something you need to survive.”
Ray Legendre: 360-735-4517; www.facebook.com/raylegend; www.twitter.com/col_smallcities; ray.legendre@columbian.com
