Yellowknife (Apr 09/03) - Forget fad diets and exercise tapes.

Instead learn about new and interesting exercise activities, eat tasty healthy foods and know the difference between light foods and good foods with a free workshop.

This month the Northern Nutrition Association is hosting Why Weight to help Yellowknifers achieve their fitness and wellness goals.

The Northern Nutrition Association is a non-profit organization operated by people working in a nutrition-based occupation.

The association members sponsor a Healthy Living project which includes two free information-based courses: Why Weight and the Healthy Choices cooking club.

The Why Weight workshop is funded by Health Canada and has been offered in Yellowknife since January 2002.

"Our goal is not weight loss for appearance but how it can prevent disease and to feel healthy," said registered dietician and association member Mabel Wong.

The group meets once a week for four weeks to weigh in, have a "quickie" nutrition information session and an activity.

"It's not hocus pocus fad diet stuff," said Wong, during last month's session, adding it's about affordable practical weight loss.

Jason Noel has attended two four-week weight loss sessions. He said he's lost "inches" and the sessions really seem to work.

"I like the good results. I like having activities every week," he said, adding he really enjoyed Tai Chi and line dancing.

The Health Choices cooking club six-month session finished April 1. Regular sessions start again in September.

The program focuses on healthy foods, easy low cost recipes with lots of hands on cooking, said Wong.

Registration for Why Weight is not required, just drop in April 16 at 7 p.m. The session runs from April 16 to May 7.