“We are what we eat and how we eat” says local heart & stroke charity Croi who have developed a new evidence-based approach to sustainable weight loss, weight management and lifestyle choice. Designed and delivered by the Croí Health Team, the CroíMyBalance Programme is a new scientifically proven approach to sustainable weight loss. Without any gimmicks or special fad diets, the Croí Programme is helping people lose weight by literally making small changes to their lifestyle but yielding great results in the fight against heart disease & stroke!
The Croí MyBalance programme runs over 8 weeks (1 hour per week) with follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months, and provides expert guidance on all aspects of healthy living and lifestyle change including practical advice on weight, cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure control. During the 8-week programme, each person is encouraged to keep a food diary and a weekly ‘weigh-in’ is optional. Also, as part of the programme, all participants are afforded a comprehensive lifestyle audit at the outset, end-of-programme and at 1 year; which includes measurement of blood pressure, diabetes risk score, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, Mediterranean diet adherence score and physical activity levels.
The Croí MyBalance programme which has been developed by Croi is showing great results in terms of significant weight loss, improvements in waist circumference, greater adherence to the cardio-protective Mediterranean style diet as well as overall improvements in fitness levels. Participants on the programme are achieving, on average, in excess of 8 lbs weight loss and a reduction of 2 inches in waist circumference. Furthermore, there is a reduction in their diabetes risk score which estimates their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years.
Speaking about the programme, Croí Specialist Dietitian, Claire Kerins said “The Croí MyBalanceprogramme is the first of its kind in Ireland and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of a lifestyle focused weight management programme. To date the majority of commercial weight loss programmes focus on dietary aspects alone without incorporating exercise and behavioural changes. She went on to say “The key to a healthy lifestyle is good nutrition, regular exercise and effective stress management. In this context, our programme addresses issues as varied as the quality and quantity of sleep, your hydration, fitness levels and food portion control. The Croí MyBalance programme provides long-term support and motivation to assist individuals in achieving their nutritional and lifestyle goals for optimum heart health”.
Other weight and lifestyle programmes will take place throughout the year in various centres around the West of Ireland, including Lackagh Community Centre, Co Galway.
For more information on locations and upcoming courses, please contact 091 544310 or email reception@croi.ie