Newswise — Using the science behind more than 16 years of ongoing academic weight loss research, Jean Harvey-Berino, associate professor and chair of the department of nutrition and health sciences, has won the 2008 James Beard Foundation award for a book in the "Healthy Focus" category. The EatingWell Diet by Jean Harvey-Berino with Joyce Hendley and the editors of EatingWell (The Countryman Press) combines the magazine's healthful, delicious recipes with Harvey-Berino's behavioral modification program, Vtrim, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
"It felt so good that the judges got it," said Harvey-Berino. "They understand that this book is not a gimmick. This is the one true way to lose weight."
For celebrities in the world of food—from top chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and cookbook writers—the Beard Foundation awards truly are the "Oscars" of the profession, spotlighting the best talent in the industry. The black-tie ceremony is held each spring in Avery Fisher Hall in New York's Lincoln Center and is preceded by a weekend of gala events fêting award nominees.
"It's an absolute honor to be recognized for creating the best health-focused cookbook," said Lisa Gosselin, EatingWell editorial director. "It's a real tribute to Jean's work at UVM and her ability to work with (us) to translate difficult concepts into a very engaging and useful book"¦ Jean really brought solid science to the table. And there was phenomenal competition out there."
Despite the beauty of the book and its bringing together good tastes and good health, Harvey-Berino's Vtrim regime, developed at the University of Vermont, is not based on what foods to eat; there are no food lists or meal plans to follow and it is, above all, not a diet. Harvey-Berino has learned that it is behavior goals, not weight goals that are the key to success.
The plan helps those who want to lose weight learn to manage what they eat in a 24-week program that consists of one hour classes guided by a UVM certified facilitator who is a registered dietitian or holds a master's degree in psychology, nursing, or nutrition. Classes are currently being offered and the full facilitated program will be offered online by the end of August.
For more information about Harvey-Berino's work and the Vtrim program go to http://www.uvm.edu/~vtrim/about.php or call (800) 639-3210 or (802) 656-2085.
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