It’s displayed on magazine covers, in radio and television advertisements, and sold in countless books and programs: advice on how to diet, slim down and restrict what you eat. Nearly everyone has tried to diet before, and it’s safe to say the experience is often unsuccessful and unsatisfying.

Health4U offers a free class series called How To Eat that focuses on building a positive, healthy relationship with food. “Everybody has the ability to eat the right type and amount of food by paying attention, to notice their bodies’ need for food,” said Peggy Crum, MA, RD, nutritionist and the course instructor.

This course has been offered for the past nine years, with great success. MSU employees who are interested in How To Eat are encouraged to attend the orientation session on Thursday, May 19, with no obligation to enroll in the course. Crum said some of the best participants for the course are those who have tried dieting, experienced frustration, and want to get off the dieting cycle.

“What we’re really talking about here is eating well and finding your best health, not losing weight,” Crum said.  “While I’m not against weight loss, I am against weight loss as the primary goal.” Intentional weight loss requires restricting food by counting and following rules. Eventually, the dieter is no longer able to tolerate under-eating. Eating often becomes chaotic and feels out of control. The goal for participants in this course is to re-discover internal regulation of food and to achieve competent eating.

MSU employees who are interested in How To Eat but are unable to attend classes can schedule time to see Peggy Crum in one-on-one sessions. Contact Health4U to make an appointment.

Please contact Health4U at health4u@msu.edu or 517-3532596 if you plan to attend the May 19 orientation. The 6 week course occurs 12:10–12:50 p.m. Thursdays from May 26 to June 30 in 338 Olin Health Center.