Tired of eating non-fat foods that taste like cardboard, but too afraid to indulge in full fat foods? The latest trend in the diet and lifestyle industry is the introduction of mid-calorie foods.
These foods are not non-fat, but they either have fewer calories or less sugar than their original counterparts. The maturation of the diet industry has meant that millions of people have already experienced foods of all varieties from low-fat, sugar-free, to low-carb, high-protein or 100% non-fat and sugar-free. Yet, despite all the food choices offered, which are designed to facilitate weight loss--America still faces an obesity epidemic.
If you're going to have a treat, shouldn't it taste like one as well? Aren't the textures and flavors part of the lure of ice cream, cookies or candy? The very things that Americans blame for their bulging waistlines--sugar, salt and calories, are also the very things that make snacks taste delicious.
In an effort to lure consumers, companies have taken note of people's preferences. They are introducing products that have fewer calories than earlier iterations, but still have some salt, sugar or fat. For example, Pepsi introduced "Pepsi Next" which has 60 calories. This is fewer than normal Pepsi, and more than their diet version. This drink caters to the person that wants to make healthier choices without feeling as if they are cutting back. Also, many "diet" foods leave dieters hungry and contain bad, artificial ingredients.
In June, Hershey's introduced "Simple Pleasures." It has 30 calories and 5 grams of fat less than Hershey's original chocolate bar. People who don't want to feel deprived may consider eating "Simple Pleasures." Obesity can be caused by only an excess of 20 calories per day, so cutting a few calories here and there can make a big difference in a person's physique.
Dreyer's/Edy's began selling Slow Churned ice cream, which markets itself as having half the fat of normal ice cream. They originally sold it as a "Light" version back in 2004. However, consumers have since equated "Light" with flavorless, so they dropped the word altogether.
Today's dieting trends are no longer about being fat or sugar free. They are about eating more organic foods and being able to have it all; in moderation of course.
These foods are not non-fat, but they either have fewer calories or less sugar than their original counterparts. The maturation of the diet industry has meant that millions of people have already experienced foods of all varieties from low-fat, sugar-free, to low-carb, high-protein or 100% non-fat and sugar-free. Yet, despite all the food choices offered, which are designed to facilitate weight loss--America still faces an obesity epidemic.
If you're going to have a treat, shouldn't it taste like one as well? Aren't the textures and flavors part of the lure of ice cream, cookies or candy? The very things that Americans blame for their bulging waistlines--sugar, salt and calories, are also the very things that make snacks taste delicious.
In an effort to lure consumers, companies have taken note of people's preferences. They are introducing products that have fewer calories than earlier iterations, but still have some salt, sugar or fat. For example, Pepsi introduced "Pepsi Next" which has 60 calories. This is fewer than normal Pepsi, and more than their diet version. This drink caters to the person that wants to make healthier choices without feeling as if they are cutting back. Also, many "diet" foods leave dieters hungry and contain bad, artificial ingredients.
In June, Hershey's introduced "Simple Pleasures." It has 30 calories and 5 grams of fat less than Hershey's original chocolate bar. People who don't want to feel deprived may consider eating "Simple Pleasures." Obesity can be caused by only an excess of 20 calories per day, so cutting a few calories here and there can make a big difference in a person's physique.
Dreyer's/Edy's began selling Slow Churned ice cream, which markets itself as having half the fat of normal ice cream. They originally sold it as a "Light" version back in 2004. However, consumers have since equated "Light" with flavorless, so they dropped the word altogether.
Today's dieting trends are no longer about being fat or sugar free. They are about eating more organic foods and being able to have it all; in moderation of course.
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