The proliferation of fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and vending machines in virtually every corner of residential America has created a serious nutritional problem. "Snacking" ? a harmless-sounding verb that deceptively implies something unobjectionable ? has reached addictive proportions[i].
The manifestation of this addiction goes beyond mere obesity something that is widely considered to be a severe public health crisis[ii]. Even among non-obese Americans, researchers are identifying a wave of general malnutrition that is sweeping across the country due to addictive snacking habits[iii].
This addiction to snacking is enhanced, ironically, by the rather confusing range of so-called diet-friendly foods on the market. Some foods that are dubbed "lo-carb" diet-foods are actually causing weight gain among some dieters[iv]. In fact, some "lo-carb" labeled foods are comprised of little more than unhealthy saturated fats and even worse, they have an incredibly high calorie count[v].
Furthermore, many self-professed "lo-carb" foods are dangerously devoid of essential proteins and vitamins. The resulting nutritional shortage often compels dieters ? even subconsciously -- to crave stimulating foods of all kinds. These cravings often include what is closest at hand: snacks and other nutritionally bankrupt junk foods.
Snacking is indeed a problem that America must begin resolving within the first few years of this 21 century. A real, practical, tangible solution is required now more than ever before, because education and awareness are not enough.
This does not imply that education and awareness aren't vital allies in the fight against snacking and unhealthy eating. Education and awareness have played an important role thus far, and have helped create a number of healthier eating options. Indeed, the "lighter fare" choices in restaurants, and the occasional granola bar in a vending machine that is otherwise loaded with chocolate bars, are worthy gains that education and awareness have inspired. Yet education and awareness are, in and of themselves, evidently not halting this epidemic addiction to snacking quickly enough.
Adding to the problem is that so many of these junk food products are packaged in a way that implies some semblance of nutritional value. Terms like "on the go" or "instant meal" or "for busy lifestyles" adorn many packages for foods that are virtually nothing more than glorified snack foods foods that are absolutely not providing the vitamins and proteins that a healthy diet requires.
Therefore, a new approach to solving this problem is required one that stems from the momentum gained by awareness and education, but delivers a real, tangible product in the hands of Americans who want to regain control over what makes them move.
Attempts have been made, especially in the last decade, to provide Americans with this tangible solution. Nutritional energy bars now line the counter shelves of many convenience stores, and instead of energy infusion via a chocolate bar, more people are opting for these seemingly "healthier". This is a positive step but it is not enough.
Products such as these mentioned above, while somewhat better than candy bars, are not rich in essential proteins or fortified by essential vitamins. So while "snackers" are better off after eating one of these nutritional bars than they would be if they consumed a bag of potato chips, they are not as well off as they think they are or that the nutritional bar packaging implies that they will be. These snackers still face a shortage of protein and essential vitamins a shortage that is not going to be filled unless additional nutrition is provided.
It is within this paradigm ? the search for a complete "tangible" nutrition source that is rich in protein and essential vitamins ? that forward-thinking companies are engineering smarter products. These nutritionally advanced solutions are carbohydrate-free, fat-free, and low calorie complete meal sources for snackers of all types, including those that are dieting.
There are, admittedly, only a very small number of companies and products that are delivering nutritionally intelligent products into the hands of snackers. However, the fact that these progressive companies ? and their innovative products ? exist is a positive sign, and one that just may eventually be the turning point in America's war against poor eating habits.
About Protica
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.
References
[i] Source: "Survey: America's Addicted to Snacking". Channel 3000 Health. http://html.channel3000.com/sh/health/conditionsaz/ news-health-990730-141923.html
[ii] Source: "Obesity Epidemic `Astronomical'". WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/57/66035.htm
[iii] Source: "Americans Shrinking ad Junk Food Takes its Toll". Guardian Unlimited Special Reports. http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1185457,00.html
[iv] Source: "Low Carb Confusion". MSN Diet and Fitness. http://diet.fitness.msn.com/article/773599.armx
[v] Source: "Low Carb Diets". ABC& Chicago. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/connectwithkids/ 091504_cwk_lowcarb.html
Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
Airbnb cleaning service Arlington Heights ..It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More
Studies on whey demonstrate it's an even better protein supplement... Read More
The Food Pyramid, first introduced to the US in 1992,... Read More
For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More
Dieting is a pain. I think basically everyone would agree... Read More
Most people understand that it is wise to limit the... Read More
I am sure you have heard you have to build... Read More
Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
Liquid vitamin mineralThe liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a... Read More
After we have eaten a meal -- and often we... Read More
Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
The field of nutrition is awash with charts, tables, diagrams,... Read More
Spring in New York City is a really magical time.... Read More
Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the... Read More
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
The above foods contain high antioxidant capacity. These foods were... Read More
If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis,... Read More
People are obsessed with dieting and weight loss! Don't believe... Read More
When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More
Sugar intake is a real concern for people who've had... Read More
You may have noticed an ever-expanding choice of oils at... Read More
It is always amazing to me when I find a... Read More
Okay, so you think you are doing pretty well with... Read More
reliable maid service Winnetka ..Have you ever felt like you were completely losing your... Read More
Every where you look you see articles or news or... Read More
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive... Read More
Nuts of all kinds (I am talking peanuts, cashews etc)... Read More
If you drop a bomb, you kill not only your... Read More
Can You Lose Weight Through Eating?You get fat when you... Read More
Nails are a protective horn at the end of our... Read More
If you have a business trip tomorrow morning, you've probably... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
Unfortunately, the words "diet" and "cheating" go hand in hand.... Read More
So what's all the shake up about anyway?. To put... Read More
You would probably think that I was writing a lot... Read More
Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch.... Read More
To research the health risks Sweet 'N Low and other... Read More
Healthy eating is important for everyone, from babies to the... Read More
LIFESTYLE WELLNESS = An Adventure of Health + Vitality!Not a... Read More
East Meets WestAsian cultures have realized the medical benefits of... Read More
A beautiful smile and healthy mouth actually can come from... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
The latest tallies show that over three million people in... Read More
Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the... Read More
THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More
Question from Jack:A question from Jack, one of the subscribers... Read More
Omega-3 appear to reduce the risk of heart attack. A... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
Nutrition |