Nation Overserved: Beverages Pouring on Calories to American Diets Across the Country

STAMFORD, Conn., May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the average American consuming 400 calories a day from beverages(1) and the new release of the 2011 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines urging Americans to drink more water and less sugared beverages, it is clear that consumers need to sip smarter. To help Americans establish healthier drinking habits, Nestle® Pure Life® brand bottled water today unveiled the Hydration Movement. This initiative, to educate families in healthy hydration, is an extension of last year's successful Pledge program where more than 50,000 families vowed to drink water in place of sugared beverages.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110512/NE00561LOGO )

By joining this year's movement, consumers will pledge to swap one sugared beverage a day for water for a year to eliminate up to 50,000 calories from their family's diets. After taking the pledge, participants will also be able to share stories and pictures about how taking the pledge has improved their life, as well as unite with the thousands who committed to the pledge last year.

"The impact of parents and children getting fewer calories from beverages will significantly benefit the health of families nationwide," says Victoria Shanta Retelny, RD, nutrition expert and author of the upcoming book, The Essential Guide to Healthy Healing Foods. "Keeping well-hydrated throughout the day – with beverages like Nestle Pure Life water, that don't pour on the calories – is critical to staying healthy and fit."

The new dietary guidelines encourage Americans to be aware of their beverage consumption to achieve a healthy lifestyle and balanced calorie intake. Providing families with quick and easy - yet meaningful solutions is important to help families follow the guidelines.

"Nestle® Pure Life® is committed to helping families live healthy, active lifestyles," says Laetitia Allexant, Group Brand Manager, Nestle Pure Life.  "The incredible success of last year's Pledge program demonstrated that making a simple change can make a big impact, and we encourage families to join us in the Hydration Movement."

To join the Nestle Pure Life Hydration Movement, log on to www.nestle-purelife.us. Participants will be asked to pledge to swapping one sugared drink for water per day for one year, and in return will receive a $1-off coupon for a purchase of Nestle Pure Life and also the opportunity to enter in a sweepstakes for the chance to win free water for a year.

For more information on healthy hydration and to participate in the Hydration Movement, log on to www.nestle-purelife.us.  

About Nestle® Pure Life®

The number one bottled water brand by volume according to Beverage Marketing Corporation, Nestle® Pure Life® is a brand of the leading bottled water manufacturer, Nestle Waters North America Inc., based in Stamford, Connecticut. Nestle® Pure Life® goes through a multi-step filtration process and is enhanced with a unique blend of minerals, offering a pleasant, refreshing taste suitable for the whole family.  Nestle® Pure Life® brand bottled water offers a number of healthy hydration options and is committed to helping families live healthy, active lifestyles.

(1) Hobson, Katherine. (2009). Barry Popkin: Why the World is Fat. US News Health. Retrieved from: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/on-fitness/2009/01/09/barry-popkin-why-the-world-is-fat

SOURCE Nestle Pure Life