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Participant Quote: "Thanks so much for the (DPP) lifestyle change program. I learned that it is not about a diet but about changing habits and making good choices. Tracking the foods I eat is very helpful and allows me to stay focused. The program has changed how I view what I eat and the need for physical activity."

 

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When in a traditional wellness educational setting, you may imagine participants sitting quietly and listening to a teacher spout facts, stats and reports. What if you walked into a classroom and the educators were dressed as chefs? Well, that's what Abington Health has done with its implementation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). The Lifestyle Coaches simulate real-life scenarios for their participants, reinforce key concepts and demonstrate possible strategies when dining out.

"I've tried just about every weight loss program available, but none of them worked! This program is different. It's teaching me how to incorporate healthier food and activity choices that will help me prevent diabetes. And guess what...the weight is coming off!" - DPP Participant, Abington Health, PA.

These words echo the sentiment of many participants in the National DPP at Abington Health, a not-for-profit, regional healthcare provider in Pennsylvania. Currently, it has two cohorts running, with a third scheduled to launch in February 2014. With the majority of participants in the post-core phase reaching their weight loss and activity goals, the program has proven to be a rewarding and fun experience for both the participants and Lifestyle Coaches.

"Our classes are energetic and very interactive," says Eileen Sturner, RD, CDE, BC-ADM, program coordinator. "The groups have developed camaraderie through their weekly interaction. Who would think measuring cups and calorie counter books would be such fun incentives motivating participants toward success? Our current post-core group recently received a bag of navy beans to make a high fiber soup and some cozy gloves to protect their hands while they walk in brisk weather! These incentives were sparked by some of the comments of the group's lively discussions."

The coaches of Abington Health work diligently throughout each session to emphasize the significance of self-monitoring and recording fat grams, caloric intake and tracking physical activity. At one session, an electronic tablet had been raffled off to encourage tracking and motivate participants. Participants are also able to increase their chances of winning other prizes through dedication and commitment to the program, as they receive raffle tickets for each session attended. At the completion of the program, one lucky participant will be drawn and given a prize as they continue on the road to a healthy lifestyle!

With two cohorts well under way, Abington Health is committed to keeping diabetes prevention services available to its community.

 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

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 HEALTHY EATING:

With a little know-how and some extra planning, you can still satisfy your longing for traditional favorites and not ditch your healthy-eating regimen!

"The average Thanksgiving meal packs approximately 3,000 calories," according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The human body is not meant to handle 2,000-3,000 calories in one fell swoop. If this amount is consumed, it can cause additional calories to be stored as fat and add a few extra pounds during the holiday season. Try splitting your Thanksgiving feast into two or three smaller, portion-controlled meals.

If you're looking for some additional tips on cutting calories and fat, check out this article, "Stuff the Turkey, Not Yourself on Thanksgiving," by Jessie Price, food editor of EatingWell, and Marjorie Geiser, RD, and ACE-certified Personal Trainer.

You can also try using this "Thanksgiving Plate" below as a guide to what food preferences to choose, how to balance your plate, and gain some healthy eating tips, too!

Continue to make that holiday experience a healthy one with these Thanksgiving tips:

• Eat Breakfast- Skipping breakfast and lunch is a sure way to overeat at the Thanksgiving table. If your main meal is late in the day, try eating a small snack the middle of the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Controlled Portion Sizes- Use the plate method when loading up your dinner plate: proteins, vegetables and starches. The key is to stay within your circle for each food group.
• Resist Temptation- Try to avoid the temptation to go back for seconds.
• Alcohol Intake- Mixed drinks tend to have a high amount of concentrated sugar and quickly adds empty calories. One glass of wine may be reasonable, but recall alcohol contains hidden calories.
• If you're worried about the food choices, bring your own low-calorie side dish or veggie tray to family gatherings.

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RECIPE:

BASIC CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE

Servings: 8

Carb grams per serving: 20

• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
• 1/3 cup sugar or sugar substitute
• Equivalent to 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed, or 2 eggs. lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¾ cup evaporated fat-free milk

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, honey, and pie spice. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat lightly just until combined. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into prepared pan and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until center appears set when gently shaken. Cool for 1 hour on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 2 Hours or up to 24 hours before serving.
3. To serve, loosen pie from sides of pan by running a thin metal spatula around the edge. Remove side of pan. Cut pie into wedges to serve. Makes 8 servings (1 slice each).

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Servings Per Recipe: 8, Calories: 95, Protein (gm): 4, Carbohydrate (gm): 20, Cholesterol (mg): 1, Dietary Fiber, total (gm): 2, Sodium (mg): 59

*Sugar Substitutes: Choose from Splenda granular or Sweet'N Low bulk or packets. Follow package directions to use product amount equivalent to 1/3 cup sugar.

Sugar Substitutes: Same as above, except 67 cal., 13 g carb. Exchanges: 1 carb. Carb choices: 1

-Used with permission from Diabetic Living® magazine. ©2008 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. For more diabetes-friendly recipes, visit www.diabeticlivingonline.com

-AADE does not endorse any companies or products

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What would you like to learn about? Send your comments or suggestions to nblum@aadenet.org

Be sure to continually look for updates regarding the National Diabetes Prevention Program on both the AADE and CDC websites:

AADE DPP Website: www.diabeteseducator.org/prevention

  CDC Website: www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/about.htm

AADE will be offering a regional lifestyle coach training in Kentucky. The training date is TBD but planning on February of 2014.

 If you are interested please email: jcraver@aadenet.org