THE CHALLENGE IS ON- Lisa Sallin, left, measures Gila Brook of Agoura Hills at the first meeting of Sallin's 12-week Weight Loss Challenge. Sallin encourages a roomful of women to lose weight, get fit and improve their health. All the women were measured and weighed at the first meeting. STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO Acorn Newspapers Discussing my weight in a public forum such as the Acorn figures to be a challenging proposition, to say the least. But after hearing about a local program called Weight Loss Challenge 101 that could assist people like me in their ongoing battle against the bulk, I shelved my pride along with my carb-laden pasta- and I began to write.

The decision to attempt another diet began when I saw an advertisement that offered to help me "lose weight in a safe, fun environment with a personal coach, group support and valuable information, all for only $39 for 12 weeks." Five dollars of the money goes to the Fit Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization that fights childhood obesity. The remaining money is used for prizes. There are first, second and thirdplace prizes for the pounds and a first-place award for the inches.

The coach gets paid by selling nutrition products to the participants.

At the end of a threemonth period the participants who lose the highest percentage of their weight and the most inches around their tummy win the money.

It's the one time in my life that I really want to be a big fat loser.

In my defense, I'm an avid runner and hiker, but after four pregnancies and arriving at that mid-40s place where the body begins to decline, I finally decided I needed help.

Fat is out. Thin is back in.

The coach for the class I signed up for is Lisa Sallin of Thousand Oaks. Sallin runs the 12-week program out of her home, where participants have a weighin and informational meeting each Wednesday morning and evening.

At our first meeting, there were 16 participants between the ages of 20 and 70. Each of us stepped on to the scales, and our legs, arms, hips and waist were measured.

The experience was an eyeopener. I never realized my upper arms were so large (11 inches in circumference). Mainly focused on the lower part of my body, I've come to realize that the hefty arms have got to go.

Then Sallin gave us our first tip on diet: the importance of eating protein.

"Digesting protein burns more calories than chips or cookies, helping your resting metabolism," she said. "If you snack on protein instead of sugar and snacks, you will feel full and won't eat as much."

Examples of some high-protein foods on Sallin's recommended list include poultry, nonfat cottage cheese and egg whites.

"I don't necessarily believe in diets. You need to change your mental habits and eating habits. If you do apply what you learn you will see results," Sallin said.

The key to success on this or any other weight-loss regimen is consistency, Sallin said. Participants who miss a class or gain weight must contribute $1 to the prize pot.

Carolyn Meyers is in Weight Loss Challenge for a second time. In the first series of classes she had lost 6 pounds and come in third place, winning $40.

"I really enjoy the support of a group and having to be accountable every week," said Meyers, a 70year-old Newbury Park resident.

Vicki Sosa brought her children Alex Smith, 20, and Laura Smith, 23. The three Simi Valley residents decided to do the program together after Sosa's father passed away recently from cancer.

"It's a tribute to him to be healthy," Laura said.

Sallin is a former elementary school teacher and self-confessed sugar addict. She says that even after eight hours' sleep she used to wake up tired and was often forced to take afternoon naps.

Clearly there had to be a better way, she said. Sallin discovered Weight Loss Challenge, a nationwide program that was begun in 2005 by several women in Michigan.

"I liked that it was something I could do to reach out and help my own community," said Sallin, the mother of two young children.

Last November she went through a course training program and began her first 12week "competition" two months later with one man and five women under her tutelage. The winner lost 10 pounds.

Another session in April attracted 27 participants. The winner lost 18 pounds.

The current series has 21 challengers in the Wednesday morning class and 13 people in the evening session.

Sallin is offering the night session for the first time due to popular demand.

Other topics on the table include how to read a nutritional label, the role of sugar in the diet and, my favorite topic, dining out.

"This class is about nutrition, healthy living and healthy habits so that you can live a long, healthy life.

"The best part is meeting the nicest people. They are so appreciative and gracious," Sallin said. "You see a change in them as the weeks go by. Their vitality blossoms."

For more information, visit www.weightlosschallenge.com or call (805) 492-3357.

In a series of future articles, Sophia Fischer will go headtohead in her battle of the bulge against fellow Acorn reporter Stephanie Bertholdo. The loser has to buy dinner, which figures to be cheap since there will be nothing on the plates except egg whites and cottage cheese.