Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why L.E.A.N. Programs?
A: In 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine stated that “one in three children and adolescents are overweight or obese”. Obesity-related conditions and diseases often translate to increased medical costs, and reduced quality of life. Type II Diabetes in children is on the rise, with one out of three children born in the year 2000 expected to develop the disease.

The L.E.A.N. Programs are for overweight, underweight, or “just right” children, because a child’s nutrition and physical activity can affect their health, their behavior and their ability to learn. The L.E.A.N. Programs are simple and practical educational programs designed to teach parents basic behaviors that will empower them to raise healthy children and be healthier parents.

Q: Is this a diet program?
A: No, this is a lifestyle program taught to the parents and caregivers of children ages 3-12 (but everyone can benefit from this program). Dr. "Bill" Sears says that children should not "diet", but should maintain their weight until they grow more and "lean out". The L.E.A.N. Programs teach parents how to teach their children to choose the right foods and stay active with play.

Q: Who should take a L.E.A.N. Start class?
A: Parents and caregivers have a huge influence on a child's eating habits. A caregiver may be a grandparent, a close relative, a nanny, or a teacher. Anyone who spends a significant amount of time with young children will benefit from the tools learned in the 4 week series (8-hour) L.E.A.N. Start Program.

Q: Who should take a L.E.A.N. Essentials class?
A: The L.E.A.N. Essentials Program is a 2-hour highlight of the in-depth L.E.A.N. Start Program. It's a great class for those who are either skeptical about the importance of nutrition for children, or those who aren't able to attend the 4 week series (8-hour) L.E.A.N. Start program. Lots of dads attend the L.E.A.N. Essentials class. Parents also send their child's babysitters and grandparents, to get them “on board” with the family's healthier lifestyle.

Q: What makes the L.E.A.N. Programs effective?
A: The L.E.A.N. Programs are taught to the parents--not to the children. The parents are the ones who buy the groceries, prepare the meals, and model the eating behaviors for their children. Children cannot be expected to make positive changes on their own. Teaching these skills to the parents has been the key to the success of the L.E.A.N. Programs.

Additionally, the L.E.A.N. Programs teach parents simple and fun ways to help their children think about food choices. Parents participate in hands-on activities that they take home to share with their families. In the L.E.A.N. Start program, parents and caregivers set weekly goals, then return to class to share their "highs" and "lows" with other participants. At the end of the program, they are ready and able to make lasting, positive changes for their family.

Q: How are the classes structured?
A: In the L.E.A.N. Start and L.E.A.N. Essentials classes you will have guided discussions with other parents and caregivers who want to learn the best nutrition for their children. You will meet Dr. Sears in the DVD segments of L.E.A.N. Start and learn how to use your new tools at home. Both classes provide hands-on activities to share with your family. And you'll enjoy some healthy snack options, too! The class environment is casual and friendly, but structured.

Q: What are the costs for the classes?
A: The L.E.A.N. Start Program is a 8-hour class taught in four weekly sessions of two hours each. It includes a 72-page Parent and Caregivers Guide. The cost is $75 per person in a classroom setting.

The L.E.A.N. Essentials Program is a 2-hour class taught in one session. It includes an abbreviated booklet. The cost is $25 per person in a classroom session.

Private sessions-- for an entire family for example-- are available at an hourly rate.

Q: How many parents are in a class?
A: Each class has guided discussions and everyone is encouraged to participate. Each class is limited to 20 adults max.

Q: Who teaches the L.E.A.N. Programs?
A: The L.E.A.N. Programs are only available through Certified L.E.A.N. Coaches. Dr. Sears’ Certified L.E.A.N. Coaches come from a variety of backgrounds including education, nutrition, healthcare, fitness, childcare and more. Regardless of their background, they share a common passion to help children and families make realistic and positive changes in their lives. They are trained to help families develop a lifetime of healthy habits.

Q: Can I bring my children to class with me?
A: Children are not allowed to participate in the regularly scheduled L.E.A.N. classes. Children are at a different learning level than adults. They may also have high energy levels and short attention spans that create distractions for the rest of the class.

If you really want your child(ren) involved in the L.E.A.N. Program, consider private family instruction in your home. Please contact me to discuss your situation.

Classes geared specifically for children will be added to the class schedule in the future.

Q: Why should corporations consider offering L.E.A.N. Programs to their employees?
A: When children are sick, they can't go to daycare or school. That means mom or dad must stay home with them. In his practice, Dr. Sears observed that children who eat healthier get sick less often. That can translate into fewer sick leave days for employees, and reduced medical costs for health insurance plans.

In addition, parents are more likely to make behavioral changes for their children than for themselves. The principals taught in the L.E.A.N. Start Program apply to them as well as their children. Parents are encouraged to emulate the behavior or habits they expect from their children.

Q: What is the refund policy?
A: There are no refunds for missed classes. However, if an emergency prevents you from attending a class, I will work with you to re-schedule, please contact me as soon as possible.

If I have to cancel a class and will not be able to re-schedule, arrangements will be made for refunds.