Lose Big participants learn to shop, eat better

We're following a local father and mother who're trying the make a healthy change in their own lives, and inspire others to make a difference in their battle with the bulge.

Gabe Pryor and Katie Cordani are taking part in the "Lose Big” program at the Green Ridge Rec Center.

"You have to completely change your diet," explained Lose Big Trainer, Chelsea Arner.

Arner tells her clients losing big takes trips to the grocery store and the gym.  She and Wellness Program Director, Tiffany Stacy, aren't just telling 'Lose Big' participants what to fill their buggies with, but showing them.

“It’s important to get them in the grocery store, because a lot of people get confused when they come to the grocery store," Stacy said.

On a group trip to Food Lion, Stacy walks Pryor and Cordani right through the grocery store doors and straight to the produce department.

She says not all vegetables are created equal and color is a good indicator of their nutritional value.

"All of your dark green vegetables are going to have more vitamins and minerals than your lighter colors," Stacy said.

Having Arner and Stacy coach them through the store gives Cordani the opportunity to ask specific food related questions, like frozen veggies versus canned.

"Frozen corn is perfectly fine.  Usually your vegetables are packaged at their peak of ripeness when they're frozen and they're just as good," said Stacy.

From produce they move to the meat department which was an eye opening experience for Cordani.

"I recommend eating red meat like 2 to 3 times a month," Stacy said.

"To hear her say that you should only have red meat two or three times a month and we survive on ground beef.  We have it, you know, two times a week because it’s a cheaper meat to buy," Cordani explained.

With three kids Cordani obviously doesn't just shop and cook for herself.

Stacy isn't spending much time in the aisles, but making a circle around the store.

She says that's not by chance.

"On the outside is where you have all your produce all your dairy products your meats and that's the main focus that I like to hit them with when I come to the grocery store," Stacy said.

On the inside Stacy picks out nutritional snacks, just because the box may read 100 calories doesn't mean it's the best option.

When they've made their rounds and are at the grocery store finish line both Gabe and Katie say it was time well spent.

"Yeah, it was helpful um it’s always a learning experience.  I think I’ve progressively gotten better about watching what I eat."

"I was thinking I was eating enough of the vegetables, but I wasn't getting enough green vegetables," Pryor said.

Eating right is half the battle and just like the gym they need training in the grocery store.