Take the New American Plate Challenge For Weight Loss and Cancer Prevention

Beginning September 21, in time to help Americans navigate the holiday season, the American Institute for Cancer Research is once again issuing its New American Plate Challenge.

The online New American Plate Challenge turns AICR's research-based recommendations into simple, practical objectives engineered to lead to long-term behavior change. Participants receive a series of 12 weekly email challenges, each focused on a specific and achievable lifestyle goal, along with evidence-based advice and support.

Register for AICR's New American Plate challenge at http://napchallenge.org.

"There's no counting calories or adding points," said AICR Associate Director of Nutrition Programs Alice Bender, MS, RDN. "The New American Plate Challenge provides a clear visual model that's all about the proportion of plant foods to animal foods on your plate, and portion size. And it supplies interactive tools and information to help Challengers build more activity into every day. What's more, we know it works."

Thousands of Americans have taken the New American Plate Challenge to date, and report that it has helped them eat better, move more and live healthier.

Sharon Stover of St. Louis said: "I've increased the intensity of my exercise as well as the minutes and steps. Weight loss and maintenance is a lifestyle... this helped put things in perspective. Glad I signed up for it. Very helpful!!!"

Tools to Help Americans Lose Weight and Live Healthier

Currently, two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. AICR's expert report and its continuous updates show that excess body fat is a cause of ten different cancers, including post-menopausal breast, colorectal and pancreatic. This is because body fat is metabolically active, releasing hormones and hormone-like growth factors into the bloodstream that can encourage the cancer process.

AICR's recommendations focus on being a healthy weight, being physically active and eating a plant-based diet. Now, studies are showing that following AICR's recommendations links to lower risk for certain cancers, and promotes better physical and mental health among cancer survivors.

A Simple Approach

Challengers will receive emails of encouragement from AICR's registered dietitians and access to personal online journals and community forums where they can share triumphs and challenges while cheering each other on.

The AICR experts have also listened to feedback from past Challengers. To make the experience even more interactive, this fall's Challenge will feature more online tools like quizzes to help participants evaluate their progress. And updated Facebook and Twitter widgets allow Challengers to share their successes with their social media networks.

"The New American Plate Challenge was created to help people make AICR's research on cancer prevention an everyday part of their lives," said Bender. "It allows us to engage with individuals directly, and makes it easy for people to engage with each other, to tailor a flexible plan to lose weight and feel better."

A Track Record of Success

On average, Challengers who tracked their weight and waist lost 5 pounds and 2 inches off their waistlines over the program's 12 weeks. Many lost much more.

"This Challenge gave me the incentive to get back on track and lose the weight I gained over the last year and get active. As a cancer survivor, I highly recommend eating right and staying active," said one of the many Challengers who responded to a survey about the experience.

To register for AICR's free New American Plate Challenge, visit http://napchallenge.org.