Iowans looking for a way to lose weight after the holidays might want to consider joining a team-based, statewide initiative called the 100 Day Wellness Challenge. Nicole Bruce, with Live Healthy Iowa, says the challenge is scheduled for January 23 through May 1.
Live Healthy Iowa, formerly Lighten Up Iowa, was formed in 2001 to address the state’s growing obesity problem. “It’s going to be our 11th year for the 100 Day Wellness Challenge. We’re very excited about that and we’re going to be rolling out a new website,” Bruce said. “We’re partnering with the Healthiest State Initiative to try and get as many Iowans involved as possible and work toward that goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation.”
Participants in the Wellness Challenge track their activity and weight loss online for 100 days. The program comes with a relatively small registration fee. The $20 cost per person includes a t-shirt, a magazine subscription, access to the website, opportunities for prizes and weekly motivational e-mails. Five dollar discount coupons are also available through Hy-Vee.
Bruce is looking to chose a few participants next year who’ll receive free registration. Applications for the so-called Live Healthy Iowa “Dream Team” are due December 2. The dream team will consist of two to 10 members. Bruce says information about each dream team member’s progress will be highlighted and shared will all participants in the 100 Day Wellness Challenge.
Last year, more than 152,000 Iowans took part in the challenge.