FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 916.263.3560 commngr(###)dairycouncilofca.org

SACRAMENTO , CA – January 3, 2007 – If your New Year’s resolution includes healthier eating or more physical activity, you’re not alone. According to an article in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, most Americans who make resolutions in January vow to improve their health, yet more than 40 percent will break those vows by February¹ . To keep you on the path to a healthier you in 2007, MealsMatter.org, a non-commercial website sponsored by Dairy Council of California, encourages you to register for its sixth annual Nutrition Challenge beginning January 8, 2007.

The Nutrition Challenge is a free, three-week long, online program that helps participants design their own healthy living routine to fit their needs and schedule. Interactive tools help participants develop realistic nutrition goals, learn how certain foods can help manage weight and improve overall health, plan meals and discover healthier ways to prepare favorite foods. The nutrition and exercise plans developed during the Challenge then become the basis for long-term healthy habits.

The Nutrition Challenge starts January 8 and continues through the week of January 29. Participants receive an email introducing a new nutrition topic and corresponding activities each week. Participants who complete all three weeks of the Challenge are eligible for a $200 grocery coupon giveaway.

• Week 1 – Keep Your New Year’s Resolution – Set nutrition and fitness goals and develop a plan for success.
• Week 2 – Rev Up Your Metabolism – Shift your plan into high gear with an interactive activity planner.
• Week 3 – Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – Find out which foods to add to your shopping list to maintain weight and feel your best.

Structured to fit busy lifestyles, participants can register anytime during the Challenge and complete the online activities from previous weeks. To join the Nutrition Challenge, logon to www.mealsmatter.org and complete the registration form. Participants must sign up by January 15 to be eligible for the grocery store coupon giveaway.