Innovative Nutrition Education- Revising our ‘Activity & Eating' Program

by Ashley Rosales, Registered Dietitian | about the author 12. November 2010 08:24

We are pleased to announce that we have recently revised our Activity & Eating booklet. This is one of our most popular programs, used in health clinics, community settings, schools and universities. Central to the revision process was getting feedback and input from our customers. We are very excited to share the final product -- Activity & Eating—Small Steps to a Healthier You.

The revisions include the following features:

Enhanced graphics
New content regarding portion sizes and label reading
Written at sixth grade reading level. Research has found that people of all education backgrounds can act on health materials more easily using simple, direct language.

I often used Activity & Eating with my clients when I worked as a clinical dietitian, mainly because it was highly effective, comprehensive and based on sound recommendations. I also strongly believe in utilizing a client-centered counseling approach, and this booklet lends easily to self-directed behavior change. I am so fortunate to have been a part of the revision process, since I could bring the perspective of being a former Dairy Council customer. We feel confident this is a valuable tool to help a wide range of adults learn how they can make small changes that lead to improved food and activity choices. The best part of this revision is that these booklets are free to California health professionals and can be used in any health education setting.

Nutritional Consultant Deborah Barker-Benfield, MA, RD, says she is thrilled that Dairy Council of California has provided her one of the most credible and effective educational nutritional programs she’s ever seen. The Claremont, Calif.-based registered dietitian has been using Dairy Council’s Activity & Eating in her practice for years, and says the new version is even better. “My practice serves mostly clients with weight control issues or eating disorders, and Activity & Eating—Small Steps to a Healthier You is by far the most valuable teaching tool I have to help them,” Barker-Benfield says. “It works in individual and group settings, and really helps people learn the basics of nutrition, including how to select from the five food groups, how to manage portion sizes, and how to make sure they get enough physical activity. This is a program that gives my clients a chance to build a real nutritional foundation they can use for the rest of their lives.”

We are thrilled to be able to provide Deborah, and all of our customers, with innovative resources that help you deliver effective nutrition education.

Ashley Rosales, R.D.

Project Manager