Expert Advice and Virtual Support
Our goal at TOPS has always been to help you focus on your safe and healthy journey to wellness. Individuals at any weight or size can take small steps to better health, especially with guidance from our TOPS Talks presenters, who have decades of combined experience in a variety of settings including medicine, obesity research and one-on-one patient care. At the conclusion of each presentation, members will have the opportunity to ask direct questions to help support their efforts to better health.
Upcoming TOPS Talks
February's TOPS Talk: Creating a Crispy Edamame Salad
Join us on February 20 at 12:00 PM (CST) for a flavorful and fun TOPS Talk with Rachel Werner, TOPS Nutrition and Fitness Editor. Rachel will walk you through how to make a Crispy Edamame Salad—a dish that brings crunch, zest, and fresh energy to your plate!
Inspired by Nam Khao, a Laotian crispy rice salad, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland. With a choice of zesty or creamy low-cal dressing, plus easy modifications for gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, and nut-free diets, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to pep up your meals with a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture!
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! We’ll have the recording ready for you to watch within a week.
February’s Bonus TOPS Talk: The Science of Social Fitness and Why It Matters
Join us on February 26 at 1:00 PM (CST) for this month’s second fascinating TOPS Talk with Steve Burke of Grouper as we explore the science behind social fitness. How do our relationships shape our wellness choices? Why is social support so important for long-term health? Steve will break down the research and share insights on how building strong connections can positively impact your well-being.
With experience managing relationships for some of Grouper’s largest market partners, Steve is passionate about helping people find welcoming communities built around shared interests. Even though Grouper is only available in the U.S., all members are encouraged to join this dynamic and informative presentation. His engaging approach makes this a Talk you won’t want to miss!
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! We’ll have the recording ready for you to watch within a week.
March’s TOPS Talk: Finding Your Peace Amid Change
Join us on March 15 at 10:00 AM (CST) for this month’s insightful TOPS Talk with Deanna Bies, TOPS Board member and Vice President. In a world of constant change, we all experience losses, both big and small, that often go unrecognized. From shifts in personal relationships to changes in daily routines, these transitions can carry hidden emotional weight.
Deanna will explore how these subtle losses affect our well-being and lead us through a gentle breathing exercise and guided meditation to help release tension and foster inner peace.
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! We’ll have the recording ready for you to watch within a week.
April’s TOPS Talk: Successful Exchange Strategies
Join us on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:00 PM (CST) as we dive into the “exchange way of eating” with retreat director Cynthia Mack. This TOPS Talk will provide practical tools and strategies to help you take ownership of your eating plan!
From "doing the math" to building sustainable habits, we'll explore ways to make the Exchange System work for you—whether you're actively working toward your goal or maintaining your success. It's not about perfection; it's about learning, tracking, repetition and honesty.
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your approach and feel more confident in your choices.
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! A recording will be available within a week.
April’s Bonus TOPS Talk: A TOPS News Recipe in Action
Join us on Wednesday, April 30, at 12:00 PM (CST) as TOPS Nutrition and Fitness Editor Rachel Werner and TOPS President Rick Danforth bring a featured recipe from the upcoming May/June issue of TOPS News to life.
Get an inside look on how to put together Marathon Bento Boxes perfect for travelling, pick up practical tips and see how it all comes together in real time. Whether you're looking for fresh meal ideas or just enjoy watching a recipe take shape, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
Register now to save your spot! If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! A recording will be available within a week.
May’s TOPS Talk: How Your Microbiome Impacts Health and Weight Loss
Gut health plays a powerful role in how we feel—and how our bodies function. On Friday, May 9 at 12:00 PM (CST), learn how the balance of bacteria in your gut can influence everything from digestion to energy levels.
In this session, you'll explore how gut bacteria can support (or stall) your weight-loss efforts, the difference between helpful and harmful microbes and simple ways to promote a healthier gut microbiome.
Presenter Jana Comer brings both scientific insight and personal experience to the table. She has a Master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and spent years researching bacterial genetics. Jana is also a longtime TOPS member who lost over 100 pounds to reach her goal weight in 2021 and now serves as a TOPS Advocate.
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! A recording will be available within a week.
How to Register
The registration link for each talk will be available on the TOPS Talks page located in My TOPS Resources. Please note that only TOPS members will be able to register.
Missed a Talk?
Each recorded session will be placed in the Members Area. Chapters and members may access talks on demand. Please allow two business days after each talk for posting.