Living LEAN, an interactive group nutrition program, is aiming to give students a reason to bypass fast-food restaurants at dinnertime and take charge of their health.

The program is sponsored by McKinley Health Center at the Oasis’ SportWell Center and is located in room 40 of the Illini Union.

Lisa Burgoon, SportWell coordinator and sports nutritionist said the Living LEAN program welcomes students who want to lose weight. LEAN serves as an acronym for “learn about exercise and nutrition.”

“We’re not typically getting individuals trying to lose that extra two or three pounds to look good in a swimsuit,” Burgoon said. “We’re trying to target those who are trying to lose weight to improve their health.”

At the program’s meetings, held each Tuesday at 5 p.m., students can monitor their progress and have individual concerns addressed. Katrina Sprengelmeyer, graduate assistant who facilitates Living LEAN, said she tries to format the program to college students.

“Anything that people want to learn about, I want to do,” Sprengelmeyer said. “It’s nice to do some fun activities and things that students can apply to their lives.”

Sprengelmeyer explained that the curriculum encompasses both nutrition and fitness. Guest speakers attend meetings to do exercise demonstrations, while other weeks involve lessons on making smart food choices. Oftentimes, she said, buffet-style cafeterias cause many students to eat more than they intend.

“It’s really easy to eat too much without even knowing it and to go up multiple times just because your friends are,” Sprengelmeyer said. “I know it’s college and you don’t always have a lot of control, but you can control your decisions.”

Grocery store simulations to learn about food labels, cooking with non-nutritive sweeteners and nutrition games are all activities that Living LEAN has adopted to promote a hands-on environment. Sprengelmeyer said a benefit of the program is that participants are not forced to weigh-in or reprimanded for lack of progress.

“It’s non-threatening with the purpose of helping others,” Sprengelmeyer said. “I wanted to make it fun and interactive so people get excited about it.”

Poor decision-making that results in weight gain is what lands some students in the office of the McKinley Health Center nutritionists. The nutritionists help students come up with a healthy eating and exercise plan, Burgoon said. Students are also referred to Living LEAN in order to monitor their progress and gain support from other students in similar situations. Some students attend Living LEAN prior to meeting with a dietician.

“If somebody really wants to start losing weight, we welcome them,” Burgoon said. “I think the great thing about the class is that students can help each other and give each other motivation.”

Dr. David Lawrance of McKinley Health Center said the structure and location are what students find appealing about the program.

“I’m finding more interest than ever among many of my patients for a more structured approach to weight loss and activity, and they have been very excited to be able to get into Living LEAN,” Lawrance said.

Burgoon emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle even if one is happy with their weight, and that there is a correlation between good eating habits, high energy and academic performance.

“I think students need to pay attention to their nutrition habits,” Burgoon said. “Now is the time for students to develop habits that will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”