Fitness Expert Goes Mobile for Health-Conscious Consumers

EAGLE, ID, January 5, 2009 - Getting fit is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions; it's also one of the hardest ones to commit to for a year. To help provide some added incentive to keep you on track, the Idaho Potato Commission just launched Dishin' Nutrition with Denise Austin. This portable, personal lifestyle assistant is just a click away, and it won't cost you a cent. Stay motivated no matter where your on-the-go lifestyle takes you!

From the computer desktop to handheld devices, simply visit IdahoPotato.com/widget to download or subscribe to this Widget for your most convenient Web-based mediums (desktop, e-mail, RSS, blog, Website, social network profile). Monday through Friday, the Dish serves up a simple health/fitness tip or nutritious recipe that will inspire you to incorporate healthy habits into your everyday life. A sampling of the tips include:

• Kick off the year by committing to walk at least 10,000 steps each day. An inexpensive pedometer can make sure you don't miss a step.


• You can reduce belly flab even while you're sitting at your desk. Tighten your tummy, hold for 5 seconds and let go. This is a great, easy and effective exercise to try to do every hour!


• Houdini your way to health! Sometimes the hardest part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, is overpowering your brain. One simple diet trick is to switch to a smaller dinner plate. A small plate filled with healthy portions of food will trick your brain will think you're eating more.

The nutritious recipes come from the IPC's online database of more than 500 delicious dishes. And, at a time when consumers are pinching pennies, including Idaho Potatoes in your diet is a great way to cook up affordable meals that give you the most nutritional return on investment. In fact, one Idaho Potato has only 110 calories, contains zero fat and zero cholesterol. Each 5.3 oz spud contains 45% daily value of vitamin C, nearly two times as much potassium as a banana, fiber, protein, vitamin B6 and complex carbohydrates, which are essential for anyone on the go.

"In today's mobile lifestyle, more and more consumers are engaging in Web applications that meet their on-the-go needs," said Frank Muir, President/CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "Dishin' Nutrition is our way of helping consumers kick start their health goals in a convenient, affordable manner."

Austin's positive outlook on health and nutrition makes her the perfect portable fitness assistant. Since 2004, she has helped deliver the IPC's healthful messages about eating a well-rounded diet including healthy carbs, like Idaho Potatoes. Austin is all about implementing simple, healthy changes for a lifetime, which are reflected in the tips and recipes provided by the Dishin'Nutrition Widget.

"The IPC and Denise understand the two main obstacles for most Americans to commit to healthy lifestyle changes are time and money," said Muir. "We hope this free, portable Widget is the solution for many. It's like having a mini Denise right there to motivate you every day!"

This Widget is a continuation of the IPC's PR efforts conveying affordable, healthful options for consumers during these economically challenging times. Both the "Fit Tips" and recipes will please consumers' wallets and waistlines.

The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the "Idaho Potato" and "Grown in Idaho" seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.