Every New Year brings with it resolutions to lose weight and become healthier. This year people who make that commitment might have a new ally: The Coalition for Responsible Nutrition Information (CRNI).

The Coalition for Responsible Nutrition Information has launched a campaign to pass national legislation that will provide consumers across the country with detailed nutrition information in chain restaurants and other food service establishments using a uniform standard.

Providing restaurant guests with consistent nutrition information could contribute to an overall weight loss program and give consumers more control over what they eat. The more you know the more control you will have over your health and well-being.

“People are always looking for help to make better choices especially at the beginning of a new year. We know that is what consumers want, and we want to provide them with that information. That is why we are working to bring more nutrition information to more people across the country when they dine out,” said Sheila Weiss, registered dietitian and director of nutrition policy at the National Restaurant Association.

The LEAN Act will provide consumers with a broad range of nutrition information including sodium, trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins as well as calories to help them make decisions that are conducive to their lifestyles.

In addition, the information will be provided in a convenient manner in writing in the restaurant that corresponds with their individual dining experience such as brochures, posters, in-store computer kiosks, and menus.

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE.), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) are sponsors of the LEAN Act.

Lisa Katic, a registered dietitian who is an expert in scientific and regulatory programs in nutrition and active in many health professional associations including The American Dietetic Association, believes the uniform national standard proposed in the LEAN Act is the best approach for consumers.

“Combined with behavioral changes and increased education, the detailed nutrition information the LEAN Act offers will help consumers throughout the nation keep their New Year’s Resolutions to become healthier in 2009,” said Katic.

The Coalition for Responsible Nutrition information is a broad-based coalition of restaurants, industry organizations and companies that believe a uniform national nutrition standard for chain food service establishments will give consumers access to detailed nutrition information that meets their needs.