^{With New Year's resolutions fresh in the minds of many students, and spring just around the corner, the Gourmet Dining team decided to launch the Biggest Loser program.}

^{Gourmet Dining has a long tradition of promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits through education materials, interactive learning with monthly dietitian visits, and most importantly by providing a variety of dining options for students. The Biggest Loser program builds on our foundation of creating awareness and even providing incentives to choose a healthier lifestyle.}

^{Our corporate dietitian Jenn Bostedo and her team saw an opportunity with the Biggest Loser program to engage the community in a competition and the program to cover health and nutrition issues. "The Biggest Loser TV show is very popular but the goals they set are not always realistic.  Our version of the competition is safe and effective if people follow the advice given."}

^{About the program:}

^{The 10 week program will provide the participants with fitness & nutrition tips, sound meal plans, & expert support}

^{This is a reduced calorie diet based on TheBiggest Loser pyramid of 4-3-2-1 (four servings of fruits and veggies; three of lean protein; two of whole grains; and one "extra"), along with good old-fashioned exercise. Eat a diet based largely on fruits, vegetables and lean protein, add a heavy dose of physical activity and you will lose weight, lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, and become stronger and more energized.  You can expect to eat small, frequent meals containing plenty of fiber and protein, for fullness without too many calories.  And you won't be eating any "appetite stimulating" white foods like bread, pasta, or potatoes. Keeping daily food logs, watching portion sizes, and drinking 48-64 ounces of water each day round out the basic plan along with support from a Registered Dietitian.}

^{You can also count on daily workouts, starting at 30 minutes and increasing to an hour.}

^{Look for emails weekly with further tips and helpful hints.  You can ask a question any time at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it}

^{And your reward? Besides increasing your overall health, the biggest losers will win the following prizes:}

^{Grand Prize: Biggest loser across all Gourmet Dining campuses: $500}

^{Prizes per campus:}

^{1st Place: $250}

^{2nd Place: $200}

^{3rd Place: $150}