Changes For 2008

If you are like a lot of people, you made a resolution to lose some weight in 2008. Luckily, the Calorie Control Council has some tips to make your resolution a success. Forget fad diets and radical changes; moderate sustainable changes are the way to go.

Check out the trends here: Moderate Changes Are “In” For 2008

1. Convenience will be key. The schedules of Americans today are busier than ever and people are constantly on the go. Consumers will increasingly prefer convenient, healthy food options over meals that require a lengthy preparation time. When consumers were asked why they would choose to make a particular dish for a meal the top reasons were “it required little or no effort” (53 percent) and “took little or no planning” (50 percent), according to the NPD Group’s 21st Annual Eating Patterns in America Report. Food options that can be eaten on the go will also prove popular with consumers, as many products can now be eaten directly out of the container and fit in a cup holder.
   
2. Exercise will become a family affair. Families will focus on activities that allow them to interact while being more active. Finding activities that are fun for everyone and making the activities a part of the regular schedule will become a top priority in 2008. Such activities may include running/walking in the park, a friendly game of softball or soccer and going to the gym as a family.
3. Food companies will help promote healthy messages. As part of the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, ten major food companies in the United States have pledged to voluntarily include healthier messages in marketing to children, including incorporating “healthy lifestyle messages” into interactive online games.
4. Consumers will learn to “budget” calories. Consumers will better understand the role of reducing calories to lose weight. By incorporating low-calorie foods such as diet sodas, light juices, and light yogurts, consumers can control their calories while still enjoying their favorite foods. In fact, 86 percent of Americans (194 million) are using low-calorie, sugar-free products, according to the Council’s consumer survey. In addition, foods with a lower energy density, such as fruits, vegetables and broth-based soups, will be incorporated into a reduced-calorie eating plan.
5. Fad diets will be overshadowed by sensibility. Although numerous diet books on the latest quick fix to lose weight will continue to be published, Americans will grow wary and instead opt for sensible, lifestyle choices. The Council’s consumer survey indicates that only six percent of dieters follow restrictive weight loss plans as a means to control weight.

So, budget your calories and start working out with the family. These trends for 2008 can lead to some real results.