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The last decade can be defined by the ups and downs of different fad diets-- which seem to go in and out of fashion like shoulder pads and hemlines.Yet, long-term success has been slim. Two out of three Americans remainoverweight or obese.
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A new campaign launched today to encourage Americans to change their"diet" mindset and elect a new attitude. In this election year, the Campaignfor Healthy Weight is attempting to rally the country behind the healthyweight cause, not just the political candidates. Supported by America On TheMove, Curves and the Milk Processor Education Program, the new campaign wantsAmericans to put their focus on "health" instead of simply the number on thescale.
"We need to get past the era of extreme dieting," said renowned obesityexpert James O. Hill, Ph.D., co-founder of America On The Move and advocate ofthe new education campaign. "Too many women are sacrificing their health toreach a number on a scale. Health management needs to be a bigger part ofweight management."
The new education campaign will encourage women to forgo fad diets andfocus on simple, lifelong changes to maintain health and weight management.Studies indicate that small, specific changes in physical activity and calorieintake can make a big difference.
The rallying cries of the campaign include eat right, move more and milkyour diet. Choosing lowfat or fat free milk over nutrient-void, high-caloriebeverages is one small change that could have a big impact -- on your healthand your weight.
"Sometimes people get overwhelmed when they think they need to make somany drastic changes," said registered dietitian Lisa Drayer, who helped kickoff the campaign today. "The key is to make small, sustainable changes thatcan last a lifetime. Drinking lowfat or fat free milk as a part of your dailyroutine and walking more every day are two easy adjustments that can go a longway in supporting a healthy weight."
Weighing in on the American Diet
Even though diet books continue to soar to the top of best-seller lists,the tide may be turning. A new report unveiled today called "Weighing in onthe American Diet," found that although dieting is at an all-time low,"feeling healthier" is the primary motivator for those beginning a diet. Thenew study, conducted by The NPD Group in collaboration with the Milk ProcessorEducation Program, looked at the who, what, how and why of dieting in thiscountry -- providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots of weightmanagement practices in America.
The report found that the percentage of adults who say they are on a diethas steadily gone down over the past decade: 29% of women are currently on adiet, 19% of men. The most popular diet today is the one people call theirown. A personalized plan was the approach of 34% of dieters; only 9% opted for"extreme diets," including modified fasts, severe calorie restrictions and theelimination of entire food groups.
Instead of dieting strictly to lose weight, most Americans say they are ona diet for their health and their weight; 68% say "feeling healthier" is whythey're dieting.
Even so, people who are watching their weight are making less than optimalbeverage choices. Coffee, soft drinks, teas and juices are most likely fillingtheir glasses and cups. Milk is the fifth most frequently consumed beverage --only 14% of all beverage occasions.
Including milk on the menu appears to make a positive difference, though."Weighing in on the American Diet" found that adult dieters who made drinkinglowfat or fat free milk a daily habit were more likely to have a healthy bodymass index (BMI) with better quality diets richer in essential nutrients andwere les
