Parks & Recreation Departments in Davidson and Cornelius are kicking off weight-loss challenge programs this month, with weekly weigh-ins and education sessions and cash prizes for the biggest losers.

The Davidson Weight Loss Challenge, led by Mercedes Robinson of LKN Nutrition, is a fun program that helps people develop better nutritional habits. Sessions are Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. Jan. 7-March 25.

“We teach people that in order to lose weight they need to eat a certain amount of protein and we help them with meal plans. Each person gets a personal coach and the weekly weigh-ins helps with accountability,” according to a description on the Davidson Parks & Rec website.

Subjects at the weekly sessions include: Protein 101; Meal Plans, Snacking & Water; Metabolism; Carbohydrates; Shopping and Cooking; Cellular Nutrition and Nutrition Labels; Fats; Portion Control; Digestive Health; Dining Out; Fiber; Sugar; Exercise; Heart Health; Maintenance – Long-Term Health.

Participants will be weighed and measured the first week, then weighed weekly. The program is designed to calculate the percentage of body weight lost, so men and women can compete against each other. The entry fee is $35 for each participant and the cash prizes are paid out.

Details on the Davidson Parks & Recreation website ^[1].

CORNELIUS

Also, Cornelius Parks & Recreation is hosting a Lake Norman Nutrition Weight Loss Challenge, where people can lose weight and win money. It’s a 12-week commitment beginning Jan. 21 and ending April 1.

Gary and Pat Berch, of the Daily Shake in Cornelius, will lead the program. Participants will meet Thursdays, 6:30 to 7 p.m., at Bailey Road Recreation Center (Bailey Middle School), 11900 Bailey Rd. Sessions include a weigh-in and discussions of health topics.

Participants are weighed and measured the first week, and then weigh-in again each week.

The fee is $35 per participant and the cash prizes get paid out as follows: 50 percent to the winner (largest percent of body weight lost), 30 percent to 2nd place and 20 percent to 3rd place.

Penalty money also will be collected: weight gainers $1 per full pound and $5 for a missed class, though one free miss is allowed. This money will go to the biggest inch loser who did not win the cash prizes.

To register, visit www.lakenormanwlc.com ^[2], or go in person to the Daily Shake at 20930A Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius, NC 28031. You can also call Pat Berch at 704-896-7750.

For additional information please contact the Town of Cornelius PARC Department at 704-765-1450 or visit us online at www.corneliuspr.org/lakenormanweightlosschallenge ^[3].

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