Before she joined the LightenUp Hunterdon weight managment program, Denise Zeno was a self-proclaimed chocoholic. Rarely did a day go by that she didn’t enjoy her favorite treat. That was 10 months and 45 pounds ago. And you know what? She still enjoys a small piece of chocolate once in a while.

“I didn’t realize I could lose weight without totally depriving myself of the things I loved most,” she says.

LightenUp is a weekly, nutritionist-led support group that promotes a healthy lifestyle instead of a specific diet. “We take a nondiet approach to weight loss that focuses on mindful eating, regular exercise, overall health and self esteem,” explains Michelle Moder, MS, RD, a nutritionist on staff at Hunterdon Medical Center.

For Denise Zeno, that meant more accountability with fewer restrictions. “I write down everything I eat in a journal. I call it my accountability partner. I have also learned a lot of creative ways to fit exercise into my life.”

It’s never a challenge to fit LightenUp meetings into her life. She enjoys the camaraderie of the group, the compassion of the leaders, and the way her new lifestyle makes her feel. “My cholesterol is down and I feel great,” she adds.

The LightenUp Hunterdon Weight Management Program meets on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 908-788-6568 for information