Fitness Revolution: 'America on the Move' -- Log on and Get Moving Now!
Thyroid Disease Blog

Fitness Revolution: 'America on the Move' -- Log on and Get Moving Now!
The strategy is simple, yet effective: Just take 2000 more steps and eat 100 less calories every day and keep weight gain in check. America On the Move is a national initiative to inspire Americans to make small changes to achieve healthier lifestyles and prevent weight gain. It was created in response to the U.S. Surgeon General's call to action to fight obesity - now recognized as the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. The initiative was first launched in Colorado, where hundreds of thousands of participants clipped on StepCounters and quickly realized the many benefits of "watching their steps." StepCounters made participants more aware of the number of steps they were taking and encouraged them to walk more. They felt increased energy, elevated mood, improved circulation, lower cholesterol, and yes, easier weight management.

Now the program has gone national via the Internet. Anyone can log on at www.americaonthemove.org to receive helpful information and advice, set personal goals, and track their progress.

Dr. James O. Hill, Ph. D., professor of pediatrics and director of the Center for Human Nutrition of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, co-founded the Partnership to Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living, the non-profit organization responsible for AOM, with an eye toward helping people start with small, achievable goals. "Americans currently are gaining 1 to 3 pounds a year," said Hill. "Accumulating an extra 2000 steps on the StepCounter or eating 100 less calories throughout the course of the day is very doable -- even enjoyable -- for most people, and will prevent that weight gain. And we find that, after experiencing even moderate success, participants are ready to set ever-increasing goals that can lead to more significant lifestyle improvements."

Getting the web site established was a critical part of expanding the program nationally. "We're grateful that Masterfoods stepped up to fund the initiative's website," said Hill. "Masterfoods USA has helped bring America On the Move to millions across America."

Stephanie Corbin MA, RD, Senior Nutrition Scientist, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Masterfoods USA, said it was an easy decision to become involved with America On the Move. "This program has already gotten a lot of people moving and improving their health," said Corbin. "Masterfoods has a commitment to nutrition and health and has worked for several years to get America on the Move up and running. We are pleased to get as many people as possible signed up and on the move."

Wearing a StepCounter makes it fun and easy to keep track of progress. "It doesn't matter where, how or when you take the steps," said Hill, "Just as long as you achieve the target total."

America On the Move offers these suggestions for adding to the daily step tally:

• Walk your dog, or offer to walk a neighbor's dog.
• Walk while the kids play sports (or rollerblade or ride their bikes).
• Start a walking club with friends or neighbors.
• Get up and walk to the TV to change the channel.
• Park farther away from the door at the mall or supermarket.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
• Walk -- don't drive -- for trips less than a mile.
• Get off the bus one or two stops early and walk into the office.
• Walk to a colleague's office instead of sending an e-mail.
• Walk to a restroom or water fountain on a different floor.
• Take a walk on your lunch hour.

America On the Move also provides simple ways to reduce 100 calories a day:

• For that morning latte or coffee, choose non-fat milk rather than whole milk.
• Ask for a take home container to come with your meal. Eat only half of the meal served, and take the other half home.
• Leave 3-4 bites of food on your plate at each meal.
• Ask for salad dressing on the side rather than on your salad.
• Substitute 4 egg whites or 1/2-cup egg substitute for 2 whole eggs.
• Use light or sugar-free pancake syrup instead of regular syrup.
• Choose broth-based soups over cream-based soups.
• Replace 8 ounces of fruit juice or soda with water.
• Leave the cheese off of sandwiches and hamburgers.

Visit fitnessrevolution.org to find other tips and suggestions on increasing steps and decreasing calories.