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(ARA) - For many of us, sitting down to a sensible meal is more the exception than the rule. Some experts say it’s the go-go American lifestyle, on-the-run eating habits and inactivity that have made the United States an overweight nation. Amid growing concerns over obesity in this country, the federal government recently issued new dietary guidelines that emphasize the importance of diet and physical activity in promoting health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. The new guidelines recommend eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fat free or low fat milk and milk products, choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt and alcohol and increasing exercise to at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity most days of the week.
Of course it is one thing to set nutritional guidelines, quite another getting people to incorporate them into their lives. Naomi Judd, celebrated performer, bestselling author and health advocate, is a passionate believer in the power of nutrition, and has seen the results of a healthy diet in her own life. Now she is speaking out by promoting practical ways for people to take greater control of their health with a lifestyle plan that can help them shed weight and cinch some inches off their waist, all while reducing risk factors for heart disease.
It’s easy to see why Naomi cares so much about nutrition and exercise, considering she trained as a registered nurse and personally fought and survived the life-threatening disease hepatitis C.
One of the new guidelines that may help people with their weight and heart health goals is the call for choosing at least 3 or more one-ounce equivalents of whole grains per day. Making whole grains up to half the grains in a person’s diet can help achieve the fiber recommendation. The good news is that it’s easy to add whole grains and fiber to the diet by choosing whole grain cereals.
To help get the word out, Judd recently teamed up with Post cereals to promote the Post Healthy Classics 3-Step Weight Loss Plan, a simple lifestyle plan that can help people shed an average of 10 pounds and up to 3 inches from their waistline, and reduce risk factors for heart disease over a 12-week period. It’s a fact that excess weight increases a person’s risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and stroke. Research shows that losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight results in meaningful reductions of heart disease risk factors.
Post’s 3-Step Weight Loss Plan is so simple, in fact, that it’s printed on boxes of Post Healthy Classics cereals and available online at www.posthealthyclassics.com. Structuring the plan into three steps is what makes it so easy.
Step 1 calls for substituting two meals a day with a bowl of Post Healthy Classics cereal, such as Grape-Nuts, Raisin Bran or Shredded Wheat, served with 1/2 cup of fat free milk and fruit as part of a reduced calorie diet. Step 2 calls for focusing on portion control at mealtimes and eating a balanced third meal while Step 3 incorporates a moderate level of physical exercise, 30 plus minutes each day.
“Success in any weight loss program requires lifestyle changes and new ways of approaching eating, health, exercise and attitude,” says Judd. Rather than relying on a particular diet or system, she recommends individuals embrace choices and make adjustments they can live with longer term that lead to a healthy lifestyle.
“Remember that the principles of this diet are a healthy way to eat longer term; eating a variety of foods, increasing fiber and whole grains, eating lean proteins and ‘good fats.’ Once you have a framework for healthy eating, the results will come and you feel much better about yourself. You have got to love that person in the mirror, and by getting to a healthier weight you’ll likely give your self-esteem a big boost.”
“Whole grain cereals such as Shredded Wheat, Grape-nuts and Raisin Bran are low in fat, high in fiber and rich in whole grain goodness, which means a bowl served with fat free milk and fruit can be both a filling and nutritious meal,” says New York nutritionist Jackie Newgent, RD. “A bowl of whole grain cereal is all the better with sliced peaches, bananas or blackberries.”
In a 24-week weight loss study by the Rippe Lifestyle Institute participants followed the Post Healthy Classics 3 step plan for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week “weight loss” phase, participants lost an average of 10 pounds and reduced some risk factors for heart disease; decreased blood pressure, lowered triglyceride levels and trimmed up to 3 inches off their waistlines.
During the second 12-week “maintenance” phase of the study participants switched to eating just one bowl of Post Healthy Classics cereal per day as part of breakfast and a reduced calorie, balanced diet. Most not only succeeded in maintaining their weight loss but on average, lost an additional 2 pounds and maintained their reductions in heart disease risk factors.
It’s important to remember that weight loss results vary by individual. Consult your physician before starting any diet or exercise program. To learn more about nutrition, healthy weight and ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, visit www.posthealthyclassics.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
