Low Carb Diets

Low Carb Diets are Catching On Across the Country by: ARA (ARA) - There is no question about the fact that the low carb diet is in. Magazine covers proclaim its success, books like “Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution” and “The South Beach Diet” remain on the top sellers list week after week, and stores that specialize in low carb foods are popping up all over the country. Low carb products now account for over $2.5 billion dollars in retail sales every year. The effects of this trend can be seen in the grocery store. According to Maureen Putman of the Hain-Celestial Group, sales of high carbohydrate foods such as pasta and bread are down 7.5 and 3 percent respectively. At the same time, sales of foods in the low carbohydrate categories, such as breakfast sausage, are up 7.5 percent. The Low Carb Diet is based on the theory that over consumption of carbs and the way our bodies process them is a key factor in obesity. The low carb diet restricts processed and refined carbohydrates and limits the consumption of sugar, breads, pasta and starchy vegetables. If the body burns fat and carbohydrates for energy, by limiting carbs it burns fat. The New England Journal of Medicine recently cited two studies that found people on the low carb diet lost twice as much weight over 6 months as those on a low fat diet, and had the added benefit of improved levels of good cholesterol. With low carb diets on the rise, it’s estimated that over 35 million consumers will be seeking low carb versions of the foods they consume. Hain Celestial is among the food companies working to meet the growing need. “We are using our core competencies in natural and better-for-you foods to launch Carb Fit,” says Putman. “Carb Fit” is a complete line of products that leverage demand for low carb products with the increasing demand for natural products, to deliver a strong one-two punch. The initial “Carb Fit” line up includes snacks from Hain Pure Snax, Pastas from DeBoles and Cookies from Health Valley. * Carb Fit Pasta from DeBoles contains only 9 net carbs (the carbohydrates that can be digested and processed by the body as dietary carbohydrate and therefore directly impact blood sugar) per serving, 75 percent less carbs than regular pasta (42 grams), and comes in 4 of the top selling shapes -- spaghetti, elbow, penne and rotini. * Carb Fit Cookies from Health Valley contain only 6 to 7 net carbs per serving, compared to regular cookies’ 30 to 45 grams. And like all Health Valley products, they contain no hydrogenated oils or trans fats. Varieties include Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Almond. * Carb Fit Soy Nuts from Hain Pure Snax, in Salted and Red Hot varieties, contain only 5 net carbs and have the healthful benefits of soy. Carb Fit Twirls also contain just 5 net carbs, compared to regular snacks’ 15 to 20 grams. They come in two delicious flavors, nacho and ranch. These products are just the first in a line-up of over 45 products across 21 categories expected to roll-out over the next few months from The Hain Celestial Group. For more information about Hain-Celestial’s “Carb Fit” line, log onto www.carbfit.com or call (800) 434-4246.