Gift certificates and prize drawings combine with education and motivation for weight loss results
by Michelle Watson

    The holidays and now the long, winter months can play havoc with anyone’s diet and weight-loss goals. Help is now available through a new weight loss support group called, “Make it Great 2008.”
    With the help of a team of professionals, participants are offered informative and educational presentations, support, encouragement and motivation to help reach goals and maintain a new lifestyle.
    “I have done similar programs since 1996,” said Mary Drew Kohlhaas, certified personal trainer and lifestyle/weight management consultant. “We touch base on a lot of issues, but we are more about offering support and focusing on how to change a lifestyle and maintain weight loss.”
    The local group began meeting on Jan. 8 and ended on March 4. There have been 44 participants in the eight-week program and they have lost a total of 358.5 pounds. Due to the success of the first program, another session began on March 4 and will continue through April 29. This session is open to new participants, but is also a continuation for former members.
    “This program has been good for me,” said Lisa Nieman, a participant in the group. “I had been working on my own and I needed something to make it all new to me again and keep me excited to continue. I also like the networking and the accountability I found in the group.”
    The group meets weekly on Tuesdays at Lake Coffee and Bakery on Highway 18 in Clear Lake. There are two sessions available, 5:30-6:30 a.m. or 5:30-6:30 p.m. Each session consists of a private weigh-in and informative discussions. Discussions vary weekly, with topics dealing with everything from meal plan options to calorie and nutrition guidance, lowering cholesterol and recipe makeovers. Each session contains advice and guidance on exercise.
    Participants join the program with individual weight loss goals ranging from five to 20 pounds. Rewards are given when various milestones are met. Examples of the rewards include a $10 gift certificate from a local business, a one-half hour massage, personal training sessions or a facial, to name a few.
    “I’ve found that sometimes it’s beneficial to go smaller, such as starting at five pound increments and meeting for a short time frame,” said Kohlhaas. “I also want to stress that I’m not telling someone how much weight they need to lose, but rather I want to help each individual through support and education to reach their own goals.”
    Those who achieve a 20 pound weight loss by the end of the program have their names placed in a $100 drawing.
    Besides Kohlhaas, other sponsors of the program include: Mara Anderson, a licensed cosmetologist from Underground Salon; Jackie Peterson, owner of Unique Boutique; Linda Sabin, a licensed massage therapist from Healing House; and Bob Wagner, owner of, Lake Coffee and Bakery.
    “I’ve really enjoyed coming to class, because I see that I’m not alone. We are all different, but we have the same struggles,” said Nieman. “When I see other people’s success, it is a real motivation for me.”
    To learn more about the program contact Kohlhaas at 357-6749.