Author: Danae Dante

The sixth edition of the Dietary American Guidelines released earlier this year, places a stronger emphasis on increasing physical activity and reducing calorie consumption than ever before. Poor diet and physical inactivity, resulting in an energy imbalance are the most important factors contributing to the increase in overweight and obesity in this country (USDA and HHS, 2005).

The Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture stress the importance of increasing physical activity in the dietary guidelines for Americans. The recommended amount of physical activity is 30 minutes of moderate to intense activity on most or all days of the week and for greater health benefits vigorous physical activity is recommended (Departments of Health and human Services and Agriculture, 2005). Physical activity reduces your risk of diseases, promotes healthy body images, promotes psychological well being and reduces feelings of moderate depression and anxiety (USDA and HHS, 2005).

The On the Go program was created to address the lack of physical activity among Americans. On the Go is a web-based exercise program that tracks the progress of participants as they strive to reach their individual goals. The On the Go program also promotes healthy eating habits through the Web site and through daily motivational e-mails. On the Go’s Web site helps participants with their dietary goals by offering healthy recipes containing important food groups and eating healthy guidelines. Because each food group provides a wide array of nutrients in substantial amounts, it is important to include all food groups in the daily diet (USDA and HHS, 2005). The On the Go Web site includes the following: Steps to Follow, Weekly Plans, Exercise Benefits, Fitness Myths, Proper Walking Techniques, Eating Right, Healthy Recipes, Health Calculators, an Activity Conversion Calculator and a tracking system for participants to log their steps and chart their progress towards their goal.

Physical activity may include short bouts (e.g., 10-minute bouts) of moderate to intense activity (USDA and HHS, 2005). The accumulated total is what is important—both for health and for burning calories. Physical activity can be accumulated through three to six 10-minute bouts over the course of a day (USDA and HHS, 2005). Lack of time is one of the main deterrents of physical activity. On the Go addresses this issue because time spent in physical activity can be spread throughout the day. Walking to the office, or going up the stairs become activities that help participants reach their goals.

Eating well is a main contributor to a healthy lifestyle. The 2005 Dietary American Guidelines list important food groups for healthy body function. Food groups to encourage are: Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk and milk products, each of these basic food groups are a major contributor of at least one nutrient while making substantial contributions of many other nutrients (USDA and HHS, 2005).

Meeting nutrient recommendations must go hand in hand with keeping calories under control (USDA and HHS, 2005). Regular physical activity along with selecting low-fat forms of foods in each group provides individuals a way to meet their nutritional needs and maintain a healthy weight (USDA and HHS, 2005).