UNION, N.J.—Kean University’s Gourmet Dining is responsible for supplying many of the food and dining services that are offered to the Kean community. For the second year in a row, Gourmet Dining will be hosting the Biggest Loser, a weight loss contest which is based off the television series on NBC. Gourmet dining services has created a 10-week contest that strives to achieve nutrition and health awareness for the student community. Each student that chooses to take part in the contest has met with a registered dietitian/nutritionist in order to receive the proper instructions. During their meeting with the nutritionist, students will be weighed in, measured, and their percentage of body fat will be recorded. During this meeting, students are assisted in making attainable and measurable goals throughout the program.
Students will be monitored three times—at the beginning, middle, and end—to help ensure the student’s success. Jen Bostedo, head dietitian at Kean University, is in charge of running the Biggest Loser contest and said, “The most successful students are those that find new ways to work in more fitness and weed out the extra calories that were adding or maintaining an unhealthy weight for them.” The weight loss contest main goal is to help students change their lifestyle choices instead of having the “dieters” mentality. Being able to make simple changes or substitutions can really go a long way in moving towards a healthier lifestyle. Bostedo also added, “I often see those that hold themselves accountable at meals and for workouts with friends or roommates are the most successful.” Working out with a friend or roommate really makes the process fun and easier to stick to. Having another person to help create accountability is a great way to reach those healthy goals.