Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE — Tonight at the stroke of midnight we ring in 2008, and with the launch of a fresh calendar many residents will turn a new leaf with their share of New Year’s resolutions.

The chocolates and cookies are being put on hold and plans for aerobic classes stir in peoples’ heads. Some may wish to further their education, quit smoking, or simply read a good book. Positive changes can be permanent and below we review some of the options to make a new you in the new year.

Eating healthier

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As the holidays wind down, one may hanker for something actually listed in the food pyramid. With extra sweets lying around and busy schedules throwing off normal meals, a balanced meal may be just what your body needs.

Whole grains, leafy vegetables and lean proteins may seem impossible, but local businesses may hold the key to eating healthier this year. Black Canyon Foods, owned and operated by Mark and Karen Jernigan, will deliver nutritious foods to your doorstep while you sleep.

“We do make eating healthy easy,” Karen said. “We provide the convenience of not having to go to the store. We only offer products that our own family eats and that we can guarantee the quality.”

The family moved to Olathe from the Denver area looking for a higher quality of life. When they had children, they really began to analyze the food they ate. Everything the company offers is either natural or organic and most items are produced in Colorado. The couple offers natural milk, meats, dairy ranging from yogurt to eggs and sour cream and organic produce boxes.

The Jernigans considered joining a co-op when they first moved here, but opted to own their own business instead.

They have trimmed the products offered and focus on meat and dairy items. Customers can order through their Web site: www.blackcanyonfoods.com. Deliveries are made to Olathe, Montrose, Delta, Gunnison and Crested Butte. A new feature is organic produce boxes. Pre-selected boxes or build-your-own options are available. For more information call 323-5733.

The couple also hopes to launch their own homemade bread line in 2008.

Also new to Montrose in 2008 will be The Green Market in Oxbow Crossing. The store is scheduled to open Feb. 1 in the same location as the previous Natural Market. Green Market owner Dave Murray co-owns a Green Market in Sherman, Texas and wanted to expand into Colorado.

“I really want to focus on local agriculture,” said Murray, a Wyoming native whose experience includes the vitamin industry. “We will be a natural grocery store and offer a wide variety of items. ... I am very conscious of peoples’ wallets and I want people to be able to afford to shop with us.”

He said the store will also have a very nice selection of natural cosmetics that are cruelty free.

Education

Do you feel you haven’t reached your professional goals? Perhaps college courses could help you meet your 2008 resolutions. The Mesa State College - Montrose campus has several options for potential students.

Currently about 300 credit-seeking students attend Mesa State - Montrose. Of those, approximately 40 percent are full-time and 90 percent are seeking specific degrees.

“Montrose is really growing and in order for us to remain a prosperous and viable community, the support of higher education is invaluable,” said Joey Montoya Boese, assistant director of the Montrose campus. “In terms of education, Colorado is not one of the highest ranked states. We need to provide as many educational options as possible for students.”

Basic math, science, English and other courses are offered at the Montrose campus. Various associates degrees, an advanced nursing program, elementary education and full bachelors degrees also are available.

“We offer a lot of upper division courses as well,” she says. “In fact we just finished a sign language class in which seven or eight student took a teleconference class in real time. The class was coordinated with one at the Grand Junction campus. They met at the same time and all the students could interact with their classmates and the professor.”

Montoya Boese said if someone is interested in a course, to inquire at the Montrose campus office. If they have enough students interested, the school will work to get the class offered here.

“Students really have a voice,” she says. “We are creating more access to education.”

In addition to traditional college courses, the school has teamed up with Education to Go, an online instruction center. Do you want to learn how to create web pages, learn a foreign language or start a new business? Then visit www.ed2go.com/mesastate and check out the myriad of courses offered. The courses range from professional development to self-enrichment. Classes cost less than $100 and start monthly, Montoya Boese added.

“These courses are not for credit but they are very affordable and very practical for today,” she says. “Some local employers have enrolled their employees in classes for things like learning QuickBooks.”

Getting in shape

Has your keister begun to look more like a couch cushion every year? Finding it difficult to climb a flight of stairs? Then perhaps you require a bit more physical activity in the year to come.

Montrose has several walking and bike paths as well as parks and recreation activities. There are now a number of gyms here, all with programs to help individuals with their needs.

“The fact is you need to be in shape for health reasons,” says Mead Serra, owner of the Montrose Athletic Club. “If you want to be physically fit, shed a few pounds or just feel as though you have become too sedentary, then we can help you.”

Serra says one of the most important aspects to a physical routine that will last is ease of access and finding something with which you are comfortable.

“We have racquetball courts, gyms, saunas, steam rooms, personal trainers on staff and 40 aerobic classes,” he says. “We try to make it as easy as possible. We provide lockers and towels so all you have to bring is you.”

The club also has an on-site nursery for a nominal fee so parents can work out without having to find a babysitter. Membership levels range from two years to daily passes. Discounts are available for seniors and students.

“My advice to anyone making a resolution is to make goals that are legitimate,” he says. “If you are a 250-pound man don’t expect to weigh 200 in three months. Set goals that are attainable. Never set yourself up to fail.”

Other important keys to success include changing your workout.

“A lot of people are successful the first couple of months they set out to make a change,” he says. “However, you have to remember that exercise is really adaptive stress on the body. After awhile, you have to change your workout and tweak it to maximize the benefit for the body.”

Serra also recommends to skip the scale.

“Don’t weigh yourself daily. Maybe weigh once a month,” he says. “The best way to asses progress is through measurements. The decrease of body fat and increase of muscle mass is  very important. Being thin does not necessarily mean someone is healthy.”

The Montrose Recreation District also hosts several classes and activities for people of all ages. For more information, contact the recreation district at 249-7705.

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