AMES, Iowa --The holiday party season means more foods and beverages are temptingly available in more than the usual places. "It's easy to overdo and say youll cut back later," said Iowa State University Extension nutritionist Ruth Litchfield. "That attitude is part of what feeds our billion-dollar-a-year weight-loss industry."
Last year, more than half of those dollars were spent on three types of products -- over-the-counter appetite suppressants, diet-related meal replacements like shakes and bars and prescription weight-loss drugs.
A less expensive approach is to sign up now for a local Lighten Up Iowa program.
“Lighten Up Iowa does not endorse specific plans, diets, or exercise regimens,” Litchfield said. “Instead, individuals are encouraged to create a unique plan to fit their own lifestyle, eating and physical activity preferences.”
Many of the dietary supplements promoted to aid in weight loss make claims to burn fat, boost metabolism or melt pounds without the hard work of exercise or the discipline of making healthy food choices.
“However, healthcare professionals agree, there is no magic pill or powder that will rev your metabolism and shed pounds,” Litchfield said.
That response from professionals may help explain why nearly three-fourths of Americans who are trying to lose weight have no interest in asking healthcare providers for advice.
“People who want to plan their own strategy can get the support they need from the Lighten Up Iowa program,” Litchfield said. “Following your own plan is a strategy that Lighten Up Iowa supports.”
Participants in Lighten Up Iowa can choose to focus on weight loss, on increasing physical activity or on both through a team approach that creates a positive, supportive environment. Lighten Up Iowa begins Jan. 10, 2007. For more information and registration visit: http://www.lightenupiowa.org/
For additional resources, visit these Web sites:
Lighten Up Iowa
http://www.lightenupiowa.org/
ISU Extension Nutrition
www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition
National Institutes of Health www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/holidayweightgain.cfm
Government tips on diet products:
www.ftc.gov/redflag
-30-