by: 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.

Courtesy of ARA Content


About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content