A new five-month program is challenging Iowans to change their lifestyles by developing good exercise and eating habits in an encouraging team environment.

Lighten Up Iowa, sponsored by the Iowa Games, the Iowa Department of Public Health and ISU Extension Services, will begin Jan. 6 and continue through June 6, said Ruth Litchfield, organizer of the program and associate professor of food science and human nutrition.

Litchfield said teams of two to ten people from across the state will participate in the program. They can compete in one of two categories, weight loss or distance traveled.

Litchfield said those who choose weight loss compete in number of total pounds the team loses. Participants who choose distance traveled have a wide variety of options. The team can measure actual distance in miles or time spent in an activity.

Litchfield said options and variety make the Lighten Up Iowa program unique.

“Distance traveled means that the team can measure how long they walk, jog, swim or bike. They can also do things such as housework and measure it on a conversion chart,” she said.

Jean Tilley, secretary in food science and human nutrition, said she joined a team of faculty and staff who chose to be measured on distance traveled because the group consists of members who enjoy running, walking and biking.

Litchfield said anyone on campus may put together a team for the program.

“We have three teams in food science and human nutrition and also one in media service,” she said.

Currently, there are no ISU students participating in the program, but Tilley encourages students to participate in the program. Litchfield said each team chooses a captain to lead the team and organize its activity. The teams then enroll in the competition by filling out an Internet form.

Litchfield said the program aims to keep participants motivated and provide them with encouragement from fellow participants.

“The team captain reports on progress on a weekly basis. They also get weekly e-mails with things such as exercise tips,” she said. “It’s a peer support network.”

At the end of the competition on June 6, there will a recognition ceremony and awards given in several categories, Litchfield said.

Tilley said she hopes to branch out and try new things while participating in the program.

“I hope to do some snow-shoeing for my distance. I like to go in any wooded area or timber ground,” she said.