The Faith-Paced Walker's Club recently hosted a nutrition question-and-answer session with Denise Frey, a registered dietitian with Blue Mountain Health System.

The group meets regularly at the Weissport canal to walk and share fitness and nutrition tips."I think you're all to be commended for being in a group like this, and to be concerned about walking and being active," said Frey.She noted that the group's 45 minutes of walking twice each week meets more than half of the recommended 150 minutes or more of activity per week, and that exercise can be a good way to reduce stress.Frey added that it's easy for adults to be unworried about gaining just a pound or two per year, but that over time this can add up to big gains. In a similar manner, making small but consistent changes such as walking regularly or moving more throughout the day can stop gains and even move the scale slightly lower each year."Everybody wants a quick answer to losing weight," she said. "It really comes down to portions and regulating your food intake. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."She showed the group a portion-control plate. The plate is 7 inches wide, slightly smaller than the standard 8- or 9-inch plate most homes use.On the plate were photos demonstrating what a plate might look like if half of the meal was made up of fruits and vegetables. The remaining half of the plate should include a small serving of whole grains and a portion of lean protein such as fish, chicken or turkey breast, eggs, beans or soy-based foods. A good size for a serving of protein is a deck of cards.Frey also asked the walkers if they were using any types of technology to track their fitness or nutrition. Many replied that they were using low-tech devices such as a pedometer. High-tech devices include smart phone apps (some can function as a pedometer) and wearable activity trackers such as the FitBit.The Faith-Paced Walkers Club was started last year by Weissport resident Anita Wisler, who wanted to give local people a chance to stay active and meet their neighbors. The group ends each walk with a fitness or nutrition tip and they are also active in the community."I see such good people in my neighborhood. I wanted to pull the good out and encourage people to do good for their community," she said.Currently about 30 people take part in each twice-weekly walk. The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday at the Weissport canal during the spring and fall. Registration is free and lasts from 7:15-7:45 a.m., and the walk begins promptly at 8 a.m. Walks usually last about 45 minutes and cover two to three miles.The spring walking session will end on June 25. An additional 16 twice-weekly walks will take place in the fall.