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 For many people, losing weight will become a high priority come New Year’s Day. Even now, 71 million Americans are trying to shed some pounds, the highest number in 15 years.

And they’re going to have some help in 2007, if these five trends predicted by the Calorie Control Council hold up:

•  Restaurants will serve more low-calorie and reduced-fat foods.

A recent report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages restaurants to market lower-calorie foods and increase awareness about the calories in their foods.

•  People will create personalized eating plans.

Americans will begin ignoring fad diets and focus on sensible nutrition and controlling calories. To create low-calorie, customized meals, people will seek help online at various websites.

•  Exercise will become part of the “everyday.” 

As Americans get busier everyday, fitting exercise into a demanding schedule can be difficult. However, many people will begin to make small changes to incorporate fitness into the daily lifestyle.

For example, more people will take the stairs rather than the elevator. They’ll park far away in the parking lot so they can get in more walking.

This trend began with the success of America on the Move, a national campaign encouraging people to walk 10,000 steps a day.

•  Functional light foods - the ones made with certain health benefits in mind - will  gain popularity.

•  Healthy living will become a family matter, with nutrition and exercise the top priorities.

Thanks to education efforts, more parents will teach children about the importance of eating right and exercising while acting as positive role models for their children.

Overall, 2007 will be a year of positive change when it comes to weight loss and weight maintenance, said Robin Stegall, a registered dietitian and the council’s nutrition communications manager.

“Consumers must be aware of the calories they are consuming and the calories they are expending,” she said. “By choosing lower-calorie foods and beverages and incorporating exercise into the daily lifestyle, weight loss and improved health can be maintained for life.

“By focusing on calories in and calories out, not being misled by the latest weight loss fad and instead adopting healthy long-term habits, the New Year can be happy and healthy.”

Source: Nubella News

(by Marcela Vanharova)