It's time to put your calculators away!
In a report released by ABC News on April 11, "the calorie counting that defined dieting for so long is giving way to other considerations, like the promise of more fiber or natural ingredients." This shift in munching mentality has been a hot button issue for nutritionists and trainers for quite sometime, but has finally grabbed the attention of the food industry. Brands like Special K, that had marketed 100 calorie products have begun to roll out "hot cereals that tout a blend of grains such as quinoa and barley." Similarly, Lean Cuisine recently introduced a new product line that includes natural ingredients with more generous serving sizes, aka slightly more calories per box.
While some figure focused friends might bypass these new products on their quest for low calorie chow, conscious consumers will reap benefits for two major reasons; better sugars and healthier lifestyles.
Having blogged about its dangers both apparent and hidden, I am a huge proponent for limiting a person's daily sugar intake. Historically, low calorie foods have been stocked with sugars to boost their flavor. Although products that include natural ingredients and have higher calorie counts still include sugar, their sources are more likely to be nutrient dense.
As for healthier living, Dr. Joel Fuhrman wrote his book, "Eat to Live", based on the equation:
health = nutrients / calories
Fuhrman's equation supports the anti-calorie counting movement and boasts that diets with higher ratios result in weight loss and overall decreases in cravings for fat, sweets and high calorie foods.
While keeping these benefits in mind, attempt to revamp your next trip to the market by finding nutrient dense foods, not chintzy calorie ones.
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