Many people find it hard to talk about their weight, and they find the term diet to be one of the worst four letter words ever to be created.

The thought of giving up favorite foods alone can be enough to push a person over the edge. But there is help for those who want to learn how to lose weight and keep it off.

There is a program called Winning at Weight Loss sponsored by the Martin Primary Health Care Center, Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Eat Smart Move More Fairfield.

Winning at Weight Loss is a 12-week program that combines education with group support that emphasizes healthy eating and losing weight slowly.

Each participant is given an individualized healthy eating plan, and then they are taught how to use that to plan for their food intake for the day.

The program does not stop there. It also includes lessons on label reading, choosing appropriate portion sizes, calorie counting, choosing foods that are lower in fat and sodium, meal planning, healthy snacking, healthy cooking techniques and healthy eating when dining out.

The class is offered every spring and fall, given that enough people sign up.

Becky Lambert who completed the course in January said, “The program helped me make a lifestyle change, which I am still sticking with today. I already knew what I needed to do to loss the weight, but my being a part of the program helped me with self discipline and the support was great.”

Lambert, who continues to walk now, is thankful for the program which really helped her with portion control by having her write down everything she ate.

The first step is to attend one of the free upcoming information sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 11, or 18 from 6-6:45 p.m. at the Fairfield Diabetes Center. During the sessions persons can register and sign up for one of the two Tuesday class times at 4:30-5:30 p.m. or 6-7 p.m.

The weight loss program costs $60, but if someone brings a friend or spouse and they only have to pay $50. The first class will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 25. As if the weight loss was not enough, participants who attend 10 of the 12 classes in the series will earn a $15 reward upon program completion.

For more information, contact Sandy Zammermann at the Martin Center 635-6099 or Mac Russell at the Diabetes Education Center 712-0372.