Live Healthy Iowa, a program through the Iowa Sports Foundation, along with its sponsors challenge Iowans to join together and make health conscious lifestyle changes through a ten week challenge beginning Jan. 28, 2013.

Iowa State University Extension and Hy-Vee, two of this year’s Live Healthy Iowa sponsors, help provide information individuals can use to make health related changes in diet and exercise for the challenge.

“Live Healthy Iowa is a great opportunity to work toward healthy goals in a positive team environment,” said Nicole Bruce, Live Healthy Iowa Director. “And a great way to start the year and become healthy in 2013.”

The program is a team focused challenge with the objective of individuals setting goals to make lifestyle changes for better health, such as weight loss and amount of time spent on an activity.

Goals can be recorded on the Live Healthy Iowa website, which Laura Kimm, West Ames Hy-Vee Registered Dietician, encourages individuals to utilize.

“We hope that the ten week challenge through Live Healthy and ISU extension is that people increase their awareness of health related topics such as eating more fruits and vegetables and getting at least 150 minutes of exercise or activity a week,” said Sarah Francis, professor of food science and human nutrition and ISU extension educator.

Bruce said that individuals should stick to research based information when making decisions for their health through Live Healthy Iowa, Hy-Vee and the ISU Extension.

Francis added to be cautious when using other sources because several resources are available online for health related information, but not all of them are research based.

Francis also said that individuals that would like help with meal planning can find guides and recipes through the ISU extension’s website. These include printable PDF handouts and Spend Smart, Eat Smart guide, which aids individuals in planning affordable, healthy meals.

“The best diet is one that contains all foods in variety, balance and moderation,” Kimm said.

“Beware of diet plans that promote miracle foods, little or no physical activity, focus on or eliminate a specific food group, suggest quick weight loss or follow rigid menus.”

Bruce said the USDA and Iowa Department of Public Health also provide research-based information useful to individuals.

The program also encourages individuals to increase activity.

Francis said that ISU Extension aims to encourage individuals to spend at least 150 minutes engaged in physical activities. These don’t necessarily include lifting weights or running.

“Try and find ways to be active without going to the gym everyday. There are creative ways to get out of the gym and be active, even though it’s difficult in the winter,” Bruce said.

“Local conservation projects, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and indoor activities provide some options.”

Bruce said that individuals should schedule their physical activities so it is more difficult to ignore. This could include planning on biking or walking for commutes, which add time to an individual’s daily total.

The ISU extension office is offering physical activity assessments to show individuals how much they accomplish through the program and to aid in making health related decisions, said Francis.

Bruce, Francis and Kimm said that Live Healthy Iowa’s challenge is a good starting point for individuals to begin making health related decisions and act on them.

Registration for Live Healthy Iowa can be found at the group’s website. Kimm said that individuals may take $5 off the registration fee by obtaining a coupon from the Hy-Vee website or visiting a store’s customer service counter.

“It’s not the end all to becoming healthy, but more of a launch pad or jumping point towards healthy living,” Bruce said.