The Healthy Way Celebrates 30 Years With Food & Health Fair Sept. 10

Join us at The Healthy Way on September 10 and help us celebrate!

The Healthy Way has reached two major milestones this year that are a measure of its own health: 30 years in business in Santa Cruz County and the pleasure of serving 10,000 clients. There were some belt-tightening years during recessionary periods, but the company has enjoyed steady growth and has never laid off any employees. The Healthy Way currently employs nine Santa Cruz County residents at their original location: 3251 Mission Drive, near Dominican Hospital in Santa Cr

The Healthy Way founder and president Cheri Bianchini was a hard-working, 28-year-old nurse when she decided to leave her head nurse position at Stanford Hospital to help people improve their health and lifestyle. She purchased The Diet Center of Santa Cruz County franchise and four years later re-launched the business as The Healthy Way. “Realizing what we eat is ground zero for all health, we pioneered an approach that continues to be a cornerstone of our successful programs today,” said Bianchini. “We help people overcome their addiction to sugar and flour, and teach them strategies for proper nutrition for long-term weight loss,” she explained. When clients eat well to lose weight, they don’t feel deprived. “I’ve never eaten so well!” exclaimed Ed Martinez, a Healthy Way graduate who has maintained a 30-pound weight loss.

Open most days 6:30 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm, The Healthy Way’s caring staff, who have all been clients, are dedicated to providing extraordinary customer service and ongoing weight loss maintenance support. Local music icon Sherry Austin, who successfully lost 30 pounds with the help of The Healthy Way several years ago, continues to participate in the maintenance program to ensure her ongoing success. Bianchini says long-term success rates are the reason for The Healthy Way’s longevity. “What I am most proud of is that two years after completing The Healthy Way, 60% of clients are within five pounds of when they graduated,” she explained. “That’s unheard of in the industry. Local health professionals realize this and regularly refer us clients,” she added.

The Healthy Way is also proud of their long-standing partnership with Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Dozens of fundraisers over the years have generated over $10,000 in donations to Hospice, and all proceeds from the raffle at The Healthy Way’s anniversary celebration on September 10 will also be donated.

Earlier this year, The Healthy Way established a partnership with Scotts Valley Market’s Crown Catering, who now supplies all of the fresh and prepared foods available for sale at The Healthy Way. Bianchini is planning a series of nutrition classes and a labeling program at the market geared for people with diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and those looking to avoid gluten and/or dairy. “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Healthy Way,” said Ron Clements, owner of Scotts Valley Market. “We have long respected the work of Cheri and her team at The Healthy Way, and we are excited to assist them in helping the Santa Cruz community achieve better health.”

Anniversary Celebration Planned

The Healthy Way is holding a 30th anniversary health fair extravaganza to thank its many clients and Santa Cruz County for 30 wonderful years. The event will feature a variety of free activities including lots of healthy food sampling and giveaways, cooking demonstrations, health consultations, and special pricing on programs. There will be four workshops on Yoga, Qi Gong for weight loss, mindful eating, and hypnosis for weight loss and stress reduction. A panel of clients will share success stories. Plus a $5-per-ticket raffle will benefit Hospice. Music will be provided by KPIG radio who will broadcast live from The Healthy Way parking lot. The celebration will take place Saturday, September 10 from 12 pm – 4 pm at 3251 Mission Drive, Santa Cruz, near Dominican Hospital. For more information about The Healthy Way and the celebration schedule visit https://thehealthyway.us/30-ye...