Nutrition and Weight Loss Ideas

Hot New Foods for 2006

One of the more exciting things that has happened in relation to your wellness, fitness, and weight loss program is the fact that the hottest new food trends are all good for you. They are mostly based on a sensible, healthful and balanced diet.

Yes, your goals of weight loss and a more healthful lifestyle may soon be easier to reach. The food industry may actually begin to stop working against you. In fact, just this past weekend, we found some dinner rolls that were 100% whole wheat! That was a first!

In a quote I saw in Reuters, Lynn Dornblaster, an analyst from the market research firm, Mintel, said, “Over the next few years, I think consumers’ focus will be on maintaining a healthy balance of carbs and calories, as opposed to extreme food choices.”

The other thing that is happening, according to a recent AC Nielsen report, is that because of the growing rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, more and more consumers will be focusing on improving their health. People are going to start getting serious about their health — and that will in turn, drive the food producers to come up with more of what we want.

People are also beginning to take more notice of products containing a low glycemic index (or GI). (The glycemic index measures how quickly certain foods release carbohydrates into the body, which will determine the consumers’ blood glucose levels.) Research and evidence has shown that the previous food craze of low-carb–high-protein diets wasn’t the healthiest way to go. The evidence is there — if you eat foods that have a low GI it will be easier to control your weight and greatly reduce your risk of getting diabetes.

There are several diets programs that focus on low GI — the one that I have chosen is the South Beach Diet

This diet program makes total sense to me –and it’s the way of eating that I’ve recommmended to you right along — eat a good-fat — good-carb diet, and you will keep your waist-line where you want it. You will stay much healthier, you’ll feel good and you won’t have to worry about being hungry all the time as happens with so many other programs.

Give it a try — it sure has worked wonders for me. Here’s that link again to find more information:

South Beach Diet

According to AC Nielsen, antioxidants are also set to hit the mainstream. “Spending on antioxidants in health activists’ markets was estimated to be among the highest of all health-related categories in terms of year-over-year growth,” the study reported.

Liquid tea (primarily green tea) led the segment, while organic products also experienced continued growth.

Other food trends to look for:

# More top quality frozen organic foods, particularly vegetables. (With all the pesticide spraying that happens, be sure to look for organic.)

# More whole grains. General Mills, for instance, recently converted all their cereal brands to whole grains, as well as certain bakery items such as cinnamon rolls, croissants and puff pastries.

# Organic dark chocolate (the cocoa plant is one of the most heavily sprayed with pesticides, so look for an organic product.)

# Snacks that deliver balanced nutrition through portion control. South Beach and Kraft foods have a variety of great items like this, such as cookies, crackers and cereal bars.. Check in your supermarket.

# More products addressing specific health benefits, such as the French company Danone’s line of Activia probiotic yogurts to help regulate the digestive system.

# More food products formulated or packaged specifically for older boomers, such as Proctor & Gamble’s Folgers Aroma Seal coffee canister that has as easy-grip molded handle.

The consensus among industry experts and trend spotters is that for 2006, health is definitely hot, which means consumers will try to eat healthier.

Remember to follow a good-fat — good-carb diet and stay with your regular exercise. Here is some information about the nutritional supplements I add to my wellness, fitness and weight loss program.

Have a great day. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more wellness, fitness and weight loss thoughts for you. Remember, get that blood test done so you know what you need to do to keep your heart healthy. And give the South Beach Diet a try. Here’s where to go:

Shanti,

Ron
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