"With obesity and overweight rates rising, it's critical we help people cut through the clutter and provide motivating tips so they can adopt the new guidelines in their lives," said Susan Borra, R.D., executive vice president and director of nutrition, International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation and a founding member of the Alliance. "We listen to consumers so we can create messages that reflect what they need and, ultimately, help increase the chance they'll follow dietary guidance."
To help Americans and the health professionals who educate them, the Dietary Guidelines Alliance developed It's All About You – a consumer-tested nutrition education program and toolkit that reinforces the power of small steps in building a more healthful diet. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recognized the importance of this type of guidance in its technical report released in August 2004: "Small changes maintained over time can make a big difference in body weight."
"Research shows small steps can lead to substantial health improvements over time," said Sandra Schlicker, Ph.D., executive officer, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, also an Alliance member. "People can easily make choices, or small steps, to fit the guidelines in their daily routines, while still doing the things they want to do."
It's All About You messages also help people understand how to balance the foods they eat with regular activity, moderate portion sizes, and eat more nutrient-rich foods – recommendations that are encouraged within the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The It's All About You tips that were developed by consumers for consumers include:
- Be Realistic: Make small changes in what you eat and the level of activity you do over time, since small steps work better than giant leaps.
- Be Adventurous: Expand your tastes to enjoy a variety of new foods.
- Be Flexible: Go ahead and balance what you eat and the physical activity you do over several days, instead of worrying about just one meal or one day.
- Be Sensible: Enjoy all foods, just don't overdo it.
- Be Active: Walk the dog, don't just watch the dog walk.
The Alliance continues to conduct consumer research and update the It's All About You education materials to help guide Americans with actionable messages. Health professionals can receive a copy of the It's All About You education kit by visiting http://www.ific.org/publications/other/allaboutyouom.cfm.
For more information, contact Kristin Konneker (kristin.konneker@edelman.com; 312.616.1679)
Members of the Dietary Guidelines Alliance include: The American Dietetic Association, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, International Food Information Council, Food Marketing Institute, Grain Foods Foundation, Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc., Food Products Association (formerly National Food Processors Association), Produce Marketing Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association (on behalf of America's Beef Producers), National Dairy Council, National Pork Board, Society for Nutrition Education, The Sugar Association, Inc., and Wheat Foods Council. The Alliance also works in liaison with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion and Department of Health and Human Services.