Keeping fit with Zilli the Kid
Last updated 11:40, Thursday, 27 March 2008
CELEBRITY chef Aldo Zilli is launching ‘healthy lifestyle’ camps for British youngsters – and the flamboyant culinary star is throwing his weight behind the University of Cumbria’s answer to Britain’s teenage obesity crisis.
“Eating well and having a great active life go together,” said the TV favourite and former Celebrity Fit Club contestant.
“But a growing number of teenagers in Britain are doing neither and losing out on a lot of fun as well as putting their long-term health at risk.”
In a bid to arrest the expanding waistlines of young people, the University of Cumbria’s new Active Choices programme – delivered in Mongolian-style yurts near the Lake District – puts families at the heart of its unique weight-loss programme.
Outdoor adventure expert Jonathan Lynch, who runs the scheme, says special summer camps will combine healthy eating and outdoor adventures in the Lake District with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help youngsters get fit.
“Not only will the teenagers lose weight by going climbing and canoeing and eating great healthy food but they will learn how to avoid gaining excess weight in the first place,” Jonathan explained.
“Crucially, mums and dad can get involved during family weekends to support the weight loss programme which helps young people to develop self-esteem and self-confidence.”
Twelve teenagers aged between 12 and 14 from West Cumbria, Solway Community Technology College and Silloth, volunteered to take part in the launch day at the University of Cumbria’s Newton Rigg Campus, Penrith.
They joined Aldo Zilli on a variety of outdoor activities.
Aldo went on: “For one day I’m going to be ‘Zilli the Kid’ – scrambling up rock faces and gorges, having adventures in the Lake District and eating great-tasting, healthy food with a group of British teenagers who want to get fit.”
