>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

They are promoting their 12-week healthy choices program as “Spring Into a New You.”

But two Union County women could be starting their own mini-version of NBC television’s hit reality show “The Biggest Loser.”

“We are offering a weight loss challenge within the program, but not everyone has to do that,” said Mary Acquistapace of Island City.

Although it is free, Acquistapace and Brenda Bonnie have decided that those who choose to accept the weight loss challenge will pay a $29 entry fee. Of that fee, about $4 will go to cover expenses of a folder and materials for participants and the rest of the $25 will go into the pot. At the end of the 12 weeks, the three biggest losers, by percentage, in the weight loss challenge will share the pot.

“But people don’t have to do the challenge to do the class,”  Acquistapace repeated. “The challenge is just something extra within the program that we thought would be lots of fun and a good way to encourage people to stay on track — like the TV show, ‘The Biggest Loser.’ ”

The ultimate purpose of the program, she said, is to inform and encourage people about healthy choices with regards to eating and exercise. 

Though Acquistapace says neither she nor Bonnie are registered nutritionists, or weight loss or fitness professionals, they have figured out a thing or two from personal experience.

“Oh, yes, we have both had challenges (with losing weight and getting in shape.) One thing we learned is that it helps to have someone to work with,” Acquistapace says.

The two friends’ purpose in putting on the 12-week program, she adds, is simply because they want to share what they have learned with others in their community.

“We just thought it would be fun to do this class together to give back,” Acquistapace says. “It’s really our way of helping the overall health of our community.”

No specific weight loss program is required, but Acquistapace says the class supports any healthy weight-loss program.

The first meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 24 at Acquistapace’s home, 10202 Valley Ave., Island City, unless a larger space is needed.

“That would be a great problem to have,” says Acquistapace, who expects spots to fill fast. For that reason, participants should call Bonnie at 663-0241 to preregister.