Healthy Communities Coalition hosting weight loss & wellness seminar Feb. 20 in Dayton

A woman who lost 340 pounds is visiting Dayton to share her story and tips to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Communities Coalition is hosting Dr. Monica Ganz, a behaviorist who tours internationally to talk about how to maintain weight loss, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at Dayton Community Center, 170 Pike St.

Ganz has worked with support groups for more than 30 years. She has mentored more than 750 support groups around the world. She encourages mindfulness and rejects diet quick-fixes.

“Diets do not work. What we all need is a lifestyle change so we eat healthy and are aware of all we put into our mouths,” Ganz said.

Ganz’s presentation will touch on emotional eating, recipe adaptation, nutrition, stress and exercise. She said she shares her story to help others succeed in losing weight.

“Fourteen years ago I lost 340 pounds and have maintained the weight loss. I have learned to view food as fuel to keep me going. I have lectured all over the world trying to help others to understand their eating habits and behaviors. I got a second chance in life and this is my way of paying it forward.”

The $15 cost includes lunch. Space is limited. RSVP to Jenny or Lisa at Healthy Communities at 775-246-7550.

Ganz is a member of the National Speakers Association and the Obesity Action Coalition. Her cookbook, “From Monica’s Kitchen to Yours,” features meals for the family to live healthier and longer.

The seminar is part of Healthy Communities Coalition’s multi-faceted regional “Health and Wellness Hub,” a partnership among diverse groups to expand access to dental, medical, vision and behavioral health care services and wellness education in rural Lyon and Storey counties. For more information, go to http://healthycomm.org/health-services-hub/.