ATLANTA, GA, November 7, 2005 - As part of its ongoing effort to set the record straight about carbs, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) jumped at the chance to have its national fitness spokesperson, Denise Austin, in Atlanta for this year's PMA show. The IPC was particularly excited about including Austin in the weekend activities as the meeting coincides with the roll-out of Austin's new book Eat Carbs, Lose Weight.
The book, which debuted on the heels of the bankruptcy-court protection sought by Atkins Nutritionals Inc., advocates a sensible and easy-to-follow diet -- including carbs (!) -- that makes members of the Idaho Potato community very happy indeed.
Austin "worked" the IPC booth on Sunday, November 6th, signing autographs and posing for photos with visitors. Later that evening, Austin was the celebrated guest at a "book signing" event hosted by the IPC for special friends and attendees.
"Denise is such a great partner for us, she really understands the value of incorporating Idaho Potatoes into a healthy and active lifestyle," said Frank Muir, IPC President and CEO. "The timing of her book debut could not be any better for us as we are definitely seeing the decline of low-carb diets and an increase in sales of Idaho Potatoes."
Eat Carbs, Lose Weight has arrived on bookstore shelves across the country this fall and promises to please would-be dieters who don't want to give up their favorite foods, including carbs. The book was co-authored by Austin and Harvard University's Joslin Clinic nutritionist Amy Campbell, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.
Along with hosting Lifetime Television Network's super successful "Fit and Lite" and "The Daily Workout" programs, Austin also serves as the IPC fitness and lifestyle spokesperson. She has long advocated the importance of fueling active lifestyles with complex carbohydrates such as those found in Idaho Potatoes.
Based on a 50-25-25 balance of carbs, protein, and fat, the diet focuses on wholesome foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein that provide the fiber and nutrition needed to control hunger, stabilize blood sugar and burn fat. Better yet, Idaho Potatoes are on the menu!
"I always wondered what it would be like to give up carbohydrates," said Austin.
"I lasted one day. I daydreamed about my favorite carbs and I felt sluggish. It was not a pleasant experience. I was determined to create a program that includes a wide range of foods, including carbs, that works and is sustainable."
The diet is presented in a four-week program and includes an exercise plan, complete with photographs and detailed descriptions of each exercise. The book also includes testimonials from participants in a highly successful test-run of the program.
While the IPC acknowledges the effect that diets, like Atkins, had on its industry, it has never wavered in its advocacy role for the Idaho Potato. Since late fall 2003, the IPC has waged an aggressive campaign defending America's favorite spud against various diets -- in particular those that recommend individuals eliminate entire food groups from their eating repertoire.
The IPC has been equally committed to advocating the importance of exercise. "It is simple, if you want to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume," says Frank Muir, IPC President and CEO. " Americans simply do not exercise enough. Complex carbs are essential to fuel working muscles. And, Idaho Potatoes are a wonderful source of energy."
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown In Idaho" seal. Both Idaho® Potatoes and the "Grown in Idaho®" seal 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.