Nutrition and fitness are steadily becoming main subjects at the national level in the United States, helped along by the efforts of First Lady Michelle Obama and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. The goal of this and other national initiatives is to engage, educate and empower Americans of all ages to adopt a nutritious diet and lead an active lifestyle that incorporates regular physical activity.
National Conversation
Organizations, such as the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, have focused the national spotlight on nutrition and fitness. With the help of celebrities and sports stars, such as NFL quarterback Drew Brees, Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes and award-winning chef Dan Barber, the council aims to educate the public about the benefits associated with adopting an active lifestyle and eating nutritious foods. One tactic the council uses to further its mission is the President's Challenge, a program that provides educational resources, research-based information and motivational tools for people of all ages to improve their fitness level.
Implementation
The national initiatives are designed to spark a conversation about nutrition and fitness, but also to bring real results to people who are interested in changing their lifestyle. For these large-scale projects to have an impact, major outreach efforts connect educators and the general public with various organizations that offer services such as fitness instruction and healthy cooking tips. Once someone is involved in a program, The President's Challenge ensures that achievements are celebrated, which helps people stay motivated and on track with their goals.
Nutrition.gov
The USDA offers perhaps one of the most comprehensive websites on nutrition, with more than 1,000 links to current, credible information about food. The federal department pledged its commitment to promote a healthy America as outlined in The President's Health and Fitness Initiative. Nutrition.gov is the result of that commitment. The website empowers a user to research what is in food, how to manage weight, learn about nutrition and health issues and develop a plan for grocery shopping, cooking and meals. The website also provides helpful information on food assistance programs and is available in Spanish.
Fitness Education
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports promotes exercise and an active lifestyle by presenting fitness as fun and rewarding. The fundamentals of fitness are outlined in the council's Guidelines for Personal Exercise Programs, which provides a simple overview of what it takes to start a physical fitness program. The guidelines explain what fitness is, how to develop a workout schedule, when to work out, the type of clothing to wear, tracking health and controlling body weight.
Member Comments