Experts agree that eating a diet low in fat, high in fiber, and with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help people stay healthy and may reduce the risk of cancer. So, why is it that even with these known benefits, recent data indicates that Americans are still consuming too much fat and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables?
One reason may be the busy lifestyles many of us lead today. Many people are interested in good nutrition and reducing the amount of fat in their diets, however, they simply do not know how to achieve these goals without making a major lifestyle change. To teach people new and easy ways to reduce fat, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has introduced the Action Guide for Healthy Eating. NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health. This educational booklet provides simple action steps that can be taken to lower fat intake and increase fiber, fruit, and vegetable consumption. The booklet shows that by making small dietary changes, a healthier diet is within reach of everyone.
Another educational booklet, Your Best Body, illustrates how two African American women teamed up to lose weight by eating less fat and more fruits and vegetables. The booklet includes quizzes that help pinpoint where your diet needs improving, and offers tips on getting started and maintaining a healthy diet.--an NIH HEALTHWise report, July 1997
For additional information, reporters or editors can contact: Jana Johnston Health Promotion Branch, NCI Phone: 301-496-6667 Fax: 301-402-0894 email: johnstoj@occ.nci.nih.gov
