Do you need to lose 40 pounds or more? You might want to consider LifeTracks – Bryan LifePointe's medically supervised weight loss program for people who need to lose 40 pounds or more.
LifeTracks is a medically supervised meal replacement program for rapid and safe weight loss with skill building to help you learn how to keep off the weight that you have lost. Our emphasis is on health and weight management, not dieting.
Listen in to Lauren Christensen, registered dietitian at Bryan LifePointe, as she explains that through commitment and support from health care professionals, you can change your life.
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LifeTracks: A Healthy, Smart Approach to Weight Loss
Featured Speaker:
Learn more about Lauren Christensen and the LifeTracks 24-Week Program
Lauren Christensen, registered dietitian, Bryan LifePointe
Lauren Christensen is a registered dietitian and licensed medical nutrition therapist.Learn more about Lauren Christensen and the LifeTracks 24-Week Program
Transcription:
LifeTracks: A Healthy, Smart Approach to Weight Loss
Melanie Cole (Host): Do you need to lose 40 pounds or more? You might want to consider LifeTracks, Bryan LifePointe's medically supervised weight loss program for people who do need to lose 40 pounds or more. My guest today is Lauren Christensen. She's a registered dietician at Bryan LifePointe. Welcome to the show, Lauren. So, what is the LifeTracks program at Bryan LifePointe?
Lauren Christensen (Guest): Yes, well, you kind of hit the nail on the head, there. It's, like you said, a 24-week, medically supervised weight loss program, and it's specifically designed for people that have a body mass index, or BMI, of greater than 30. It utilizes a nutritionally balanced meal replacement product along with fruits and vegetables. So, it provides that good dietary structure that a lot of people are seeking when they're wanting to lose weight. I can assure people that it is a safe weight loss program, but they will see a more steady, or more rapid weight loss occur with the use of a meal replacements other than like a conventional diet. The main thing about the meal replacement that it's super versatile. You don't have to just drink it as a shake. You can make it into several different recipes and we provide those along the way throughout the program. So, it comes in four different flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and potato soup. Usually the potato soup kind of catches people off guard but, generally, that's one that's cooked with a little bit more. You can make soup or pizza crust, or hummus, chips, muffins--pretty much you name it and we have a recipe for you. So, that helps from becoming bored with the product.
Melanie: So, is this powder and then they mix it with things to make other products?
Lauren: Correct. Yes. It comes in powder form.
Melanie: And, so, it's got all the flavors and you help people with the recipes because people wouldn't necessarily know what to do with it.
Lauren: Absolutely. So, like I said, we provide numerous recipes along the way. We actually sample a recipe each week as we meet, so that people can try out various things that maybe they want to pick out to try out of the recipe book.
Melanie: What do you tell people about the meal replacement program when they ask you "How will it help me to lose weight?"
Lauren: So, like I said, it's nutritionally balanced. So, as far as from a weight loss component, the entire meal plan, the meal replacement and the fruits and vegetables, is usually having somebody at around 1,000 - 1,100 calories. Generally, that's a lot lower calorie intake than most people are currently getting in. The number one question that we always get is "Am I going to be hungry on this?" and more often than not, we have people struggle to get that fourth meal replacement in because they're so full. The reason for that is because they are getting all the vitamins, the nutrients, adequate protein, and plenty of fiber, so their body isn't really seeking out additional items to act as fillers.
Melanie: Why should someone choose LifeTracks over different weight loss programs?
Lauren: Great question. Obviously, we know that weight loss can be difficult and very frustrating and I think for us, we just want to let people know that they don't have to do it alone. Really, our goal is to assist people in becoming the healthiest version of themselves and, like I mentioned, that does require lifestyle change, lifestyle modification, so ultimately they can then lead the life that they crave.
Melanie: What are some of the main things that you teach in the LifeTracks program besides the meal replacements?
Lauren: So, each week, the sessions are led by a registered dietician, either myself or another dietician here at LifePointe, and we also have some exercise coaches come in and teach a couple of the weeks, as well, too. So, we discuss a variety of different topics. We do some behavior change strategies ranging from things like stress resilience to mindfulness and then, obviously, we do talk a lot about nutrition strategies and, you know, how to ensure that we're keeping portions in check and setting ourselves up for success, as far as our environment. So, not keeping those more tempting items in the house and then learning that balance overall--that there aren't necessarily good foods and bad foods, that there's everything can fit within a healthy diet. It's just knowing how to incorporate all that. And then, lastly, like I said with the exercise, we want people to really identify how they can incorporate that into their lifestyle. That's going to be a main factor in their overall success moving forward.
Melanie: Lauren, how can someone sign up for the LifeTracks program at Bryan LifePointe?
Lauren: So, generally, what we encourage is for people to attend a free info session. They'll get additional information on the LifeTracks program, just so they can make certain that it is the correct program for them. Then, we also have previous clients come, share their stories, and they can also try the meal replacement products. From there, then we discuss how to get enrolled in the program. For anybody that's interested in those info sessions, they can register by going to our website at bryanlifepointe.com/lifetracks and then under the "Upcoming Events" column, all of our info sessions will be listed. They could also call our front line at 402-481-6300.
Melanie: If someone's on the fence about signing up for the program, what do you tell them?
Lauren: I would say that it's completely okay to feel nervous but to also know that they don't have to go it alone. We really have a passion for helping people in this program and while that first step can be scary, they need to be willing to take that and, hopefully, they'll know that the benefits that they reap from the program are worth it and they're worth doing that for.
Melanie: Just speak for a minute about the support between not only the patient and the experts, but with other people in the program. Is there interaction?
Lauren: Absolutely. We want people to be sharing their stories. Sometimes, that takes a little bit of doing until they feel comfortable in that group setting but, really, I think from person to person, they can learn so much about not only themselves, but about how other people have utilized certain strategies to help them be successful. So, there's a lot of interaction. We encourage people to really talk up and share their stories and other people can provide some insight for them as well.
Melanie: So, wrap it up for us, Lauren, about the Bryan LifePointe LifeTracks program for medically supervised weight loss and what you want to tell the listeners about getting involved in this program.
Lauren: Well, I think the biggest thing is, like I had previously mentioned, they're worth doing this for and 40-45 pounds is our average weight loss. That can really be a significant change for somebody, not only from a weight perspective, but from a confidence standpoint. Perhaps they're on medication for blood pressure, or high blood glucose levels, that potentially could be reduced or either discontinued as a result of that weight loss. So, it's really worth putting that investment into your health and then allowing yourself to lead the life that you want to lead.
Melanie: Thank you so much, Lauren, for being with us today, and if you'd like to learn more about LifeTracks program at Bryan LifePointe, you can go to bryanlifepointe.com/lifetracks. That's bryanlifepointe.com/lifetracks. You're listening to Bryan Health Radio. This is Melanie Cole. Thanks so much for listening.
LifeTracks: A Healthy, Smart Approach to Weight Loss
Melanie Cole (Host): Do you need to lose 40 pounds or more? You might want to consider LifeTracks, Bryan LifePointe's medically supervised weight loss program for people who do need to lose 40 pounds or more. My guest today is Lauren Christensen. She's a registered dietician at Bryan LifePointe. Welcome to the show, Lauren. So, what is the LifeTracks program at Bryan LifePointe?
Lauren Christensen (Guest): Yes, well, you kind of hit the nail on the head, there. It's, like you said, a 24-week, medically supervised weight loss program, and it's specifically designed for people that have a body mass index, or BMI, of greater than 30. It utilizes a nutritionally balanced meal replacement product along with fruits and vegetables. So, it provides that good dietary structure that a lot of people are seeking when they're wanting to lose weight. I can assure people that it is a safe weight loss program, but they will see a more steady, or more rapid weight loss occur with the use of a meal replacements other than like a conventional diet. The main thing about the meal replacement that it's super versatile. You don't have to just drink it as a shake. You can make it into several different recipes and we provide those along the way throughout the program. So, it comes in four different flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and potato soup. Usually the potato soup kind of catches people off guard but, generally, that's one that's cooked with a little bit more. You can make soup or pizza crust, or hummus, chips, muffins--pretty much you name it and we have a recipe for you. So, that helps from becoming bored with the product.
Melanie: So, is this powder and then they mix it with things to make other products?
Lauren: Correct. Yes. It comes in powder form.
Melanie: And, so, it's got all the flavors and you help people with the recipes because people wouldn't necessarily know what to do with it.
Lauren: Absolutely. So, like I said, we provide numerous recipes along the way. We actually sample a recipe each week as we meet, so that people can try out various things that maybe they want to pick out to try out of the recipe book.
Melanie: What do you tell people about the meal replacement program when they ask you "How will it help me to lose weight?"
Lauren: So, like I said, it's nutritionally balanced. So, as far as from a weight loss component, the entire meal plan, the meal replacement and the fruits and vegetables, is usually having somebody at around 1,000 - 1,100 calories. Generally, that's a lot lower calorie intake than most people are currently getting in. The number one question that we always get is "Am I going to be hungry on this?" and more often than not, we have people struggle to get that fourth meal replacement in because they're so full. The reason for that is because they are getting all the vitamins, the nutrients, adequate protein, and plenty of fiber, so their body isn't really seeking out additional items to act as fillers.
Melanie: Why should someone choose LifeTracks over different weight loss programs?
Lauren: Great question. Obviously, we know that weight loss can be difficult and very frustrating and I think for us, we just want to let people know that they don't have to do it alone. Really, our goal is to assist people in becoming the healthiest version of themselves and, like I mentioned, that does require lifestyle change, lifestyle modification, so ultimately they can then lead the life that they crave.
Melanie: What are some of the main things that you teach in the LifeTracks program besides the meal replacements?
Lauren: So, each week, the sessions are led by a registered dietician, either myself or another dietician here at LifePointe, and we also have some exercise coaches come in and teach a couple of the weeks, as well, too. So, we discuss a variety of different topics. We do some behavior change strategies ranging from things like stress resilience to mindfulness and then, obviously, we do talk a lot about nutrition strategies and, you know, how to ensure that we're keeping portions in check and setting ourselves up for success, as far as our environment. So, not keeping those more tempting items in the house and then learning that balance overall--that there aren't necessarily good foods and bad foods, that there's everything can fit within a healthy diet. It's just knowing how to incorporate all that. And then, lastly, like I said with the exercise, we want people to really identify how they can incorporate that into their lifestyle. That's going to be a main factor in their overall success moving forward.
Melanie: Lauren, how can someone sign up for the LifeTracks program at Bryan LifePointe?
Lauren: So, generally, what we encourage is for people to attend a free info session. They'll get additional information on the LifeTracks program, just so they can make certain that it is the correct program for them. Then, we also have previous clients come, share their stories, and they can also try the meal replacement products. From there, then we discuss how to get enrolled in the program. For anybody that's interested in those info sessions, they can register by going to our website at bryanlifepointe.com/lifetracks and then under the "Upcoming Events" column, all of our info sessions will be listed. They could also call our front line at 402-481-6300.
Melanie: If someone's on the fence about signing up for the program, what do you tell them?
Lauren: I would say that it's completely okay to feel nervous but to also know that they don't have to go it alone. We really have a passion for helping people in this program and while that first step can be scary, they need to be willing to take that and, hopefully, they'll know that the benefits that they reap from the program are worth it and they're worth doing that for.
Melanie: Just speak for a minute about the support between not only the patient and the experts, but with other people in the program. Is there interaction?
Lauren: Absolutely. We want people to be sharing their stories. Sometimes, that takes a little bit of doing until they feel comfortable in that group setting but, really, I think from person to person, they can learn so much about not only themselves, but about how other people have utilized certain strategies to help them be successful. So, there's a lot of interaction. We encourage people to really talk up and share their stories and other people can provide some insight for them as well.
Melanie: So, wrap it up for us, Lauren, about the Bryan LifePointe LifeTracks program for medically supervised weight loss and what you want to tell the listeners about getting involved in this program.
Lauren: Well, I think the biggest thing is, like I had previously mentioned, they're worth doing this for and 40-45 pounds is our average weight loss. That can really be a significant change for somebody, not only from a weight perspective, but from a confidence standpoint. Perhaps they're on medication for blood pressure, or high blood glucose levels, that potentially could be reduced or either discontinued as a result of that weight loss. So, it's really worth putting that investment into your health and then allowing yourself to lead the life that you want to lead.
Melanie: Thank you so much, Lauren, for being with us today, and if you'd like to learn more about LifeTracks program at Bryan LifePointe, you can go to bryanlifepointe.com/lifetracks. That's bryanlifepointe.com/lifetracks. You're listening to Bryan Health Radio. This is Melanie Cole. Thanks so much for listening.