By LEE ANN CORBIN
Published by Altanta's Citizens Journal

Proper nutrition is essential for healthy living. At New Attitudes Wellness Center on March 7, Atlanta’s mayor, Keith Crow joined the students of THE BODY SHOP, a new after-school enrichment class of the BLAST program, to proclaim March as National Nutrition Month®. Also present were THE BODY SHOP instructors, Rena Schaeffer and Doug Beeman, and Atlanta ISD grant director, Donna Rice.

The theme for this year is “Be 100% Fad Free” which fits well with the goals of this new BLAST class offered through Atlanta ISD and 21st Century Community Learning Center grant in partnership with Atlanta Memorial Hospital and New Attitudes. Rena Schaeffer, registered dietician, and Doug Beeman, Director of New Attitudes, co-teach the class and mentor the students to help them improve their lifestyle by making dietary changes and exercising properly and regularly.

Atlanta High School’s after-school site coordinator, Lee Ann Corbin, developed the concept for THE BODY SHOP class then approached New Attitudes about getting involved. Students applied to participate. Mrs. Schaeffer and Mr. Beeman, professionals in their respective fields, developed a ten week program, which started February 21. Each week students are shown how to make changes that help them live a healthier and longer life. At the end of the course, the student who has made the greatest transformation receives a New Attitudes membership.

Students are transported to New Attitudes one day a week where they begin their class by eating a healthy snack. Mrs. Schaeffer, a member of the American Dietetic Association provides the students with valuable and credible information about food and nutrition and how to make changes that positively affect their health and weight. Doug Beeman works with the students showing them how to use the exercise equipment and learn the purpose for various types of exercise. Data such as weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and glucose levels were taken at the start of the course to be repeated at the course completion to show students the change in their statistics. According to the TEA grant nurturer for AISD, no other school in Texas is offering something comparable to THE BODY SHOP in their after-school programs. Mrs. Corbin hopes to offer this program for the entire school year beginning next fall.

Fads and fad diets come and go. The mayor, and students and staff of THE BODY SHOP ask the entire community to join with them as they make life-altering dietary changes during National Nutrition Month®.

Here are five key messages for National Nutrition Month®.

1. Develop an eating plan you can live with for life.
2. All foods can fit into a healthful diet when consumed in portions, and moderation.
3. Learn how to spot a food fad. Fad diets promise unreasonable or exaggerated claims. They often require eating or not eating specific foods or food combinations. Some fad diets promote food combinations or supplements that cure disease. Quick weight loss is a key feature of fad diets.
4. Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for overall health and fitness; it helps control body weight, and promotes a feeling of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.



5. Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well-being, as well as your wallet. Seek good nutrition information. Registered dietitians are uniquely qualified to provide current science-based nutrition information.