Electronic Salt Spoon Eases Transition To Low-Sodium Diet

A three-month U.S. pilot study has found that individuals and families were able to significantly reduce the amount of salt they ate daily by using an innovation known as the electronic salt spoon that measures the exact amount of salt in foods. It can be used in everyday cooking to detect salt levels and to help adjust food portions to keep sodium intake to recommended amounts. The researchers said that consumers who consume too much salt are often surprised to find that vegetables, processed foods and restaurant meals – not table salt – are the leading sources of sodium in the American diet.

"Transitions to a low sodium diet with electronic salt spoon", News release, University of Kentucky, May 12, 2015

Successful Dieting Involves Planning How To Handle Inevitable Negative Feelings

Planning to diet and actually dieting are two very different phases of the weight loss process, and each is guided by unique factors, according to a U.S. study. Planning to diet is a thought process, whereas dieting itself involves feelings. That leads to a disconnect that often dooms the diet to failure. The reaction to deprivation is a feeling, and it’s usually negative. Ignoring food preferences leads to other negative feelings. A key to successful dieting, then, is to plan – not only how to cut calories – but also how to overcome the negative reactions inspired by the diet.

"Planning versus action: Different decision-making processes predict plans to change one's diet versus actual dietary behavior. ", Journal of Health Psychology, May 12, 2015

Variety (In Pizzas) Is The Bane Of A Healthy Diet

"So Many Brands and Varieties to Choose from: Does This Compromise the Control of Food Intake in Humans? ", PLoS One, May 11, 2015

Risk Of Toxic Overdoses Of Vitamin D Is Virtually Zero

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and for preventing a variety of chronic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes. Research has shown that many Americans do not get enough vitamin D in their diet, so physicians and nutritionists have recommended supplements. But fears have been raised that overdoing vitamin D can be toxic. A new U.S. study, however, shows that the danger of toxic overdoses of vitamin D is rare. Analyzing 10 years of data from 20,000 vitamin D measurements, the researchers found that eight percent had levels greater than the recommended maximum of 50 ng/mL. Less than one percent had levels over 100 ng/mL. But even among those with high levels of vitamin D, the risk of hypercalcemia, or elevated serum calcium, was nonexistent.

"Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought: A Historical and an Up-to-Date Perspective", Mayo Clinic Proceedings, May 11, 2015

Nielsen Honors 12 “Breakthrough Innovation” Consumer Products

Nielsen has been analyzing a lot of consumer product launches – 20,000 since 2008 – but has honored as “breakthrough innovators” only a tiny few, in fact only 0.5 percent of them. Honorees need to deliver a new value proposition, generate $50 million in sales the first year and at least 90 percent of first year sales in the second year. Many of this year’s winners were in the food category: Atkins Frozen Meals, Lunchables Uploaded, Müller Yogurt, Special K Flatbread Breakfast Sandwiches, and Tostitos Cantina Tortilla Chips and Salsa. Four of the winners were beverages, one was a household product (batteries), one was a family of hair care products, and one was a lightweight cat litter.

"Nielsen Announces 2015 U.S. Breakthrough Innovation Award Winners", News release, Nielsen.com, May 05, 2015

For Weight Loss, The Type Of Exercise Really Doesn’t Matter

The debate continues on what type of exercise – cardio or strength training – is best for losing weight, but Spanish research suggests that the debate is irrelevant. The researchers wanted to find out if endurance training, strength training, or a combination of both, made a difference in body weight or body composition. Researchers monitored 96 obese men and women aged 18 to 50 for 22 weeks. All followed a diet that had 30 percent fewer calories than normal. All were randomly assigned to different exercise regimens that were performed three times a week. The researchers were surprised to find significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, total fat mass -- and an increase in muscle mass – no matter the exercise regimen.

"Change in weight and body composition in obese subjects following a hypocaloric diet plus different training programs or physical activity recommendations. Journal of Applied Physiology", Journal of Applied Physiology, May 03, 2015

How To Get People To Eat More Healthful – Or More Profitable – Foods

A U.S review of 112 studies that looked into healthy eating behavior finds that fruits and vegetables that are presented well, are easy to reach and look like a normal eating choice tend to get eaten. The three principles hold true whether at home, in a cafeteria, grocery store or restaurant: fruits, vegetables and other beneficial foods should be convenient, attractive and an obvious choice. A restaurant, for example, could steer patrons away from the deep-fried onion rings by giving the high-profit shrimp salad appetizer an enticing name, highlighting it on the menu, and having the waitress point it out as a special.

"Change Their Choice! Changing Behavior Using theCANApproach and Activism Research. ", Psychology & Marketing, May 03, 2015

Research Shows Balanced Protein Intake Is Key To Weight Loss

One of the keys to losing weight, or to maintaining weight loss, is to eat a sufficient amount of protein each day. But U.S. researchers who reviewed earlier studies find that it is especially important to disperse the protein intake throughout the day to achieve weight loss goals. The researchers recommend that people start with at least thirty grams of protein at breakfast. A day’s diet should contain 1.2 – 1.6 grams of high-quality protein (from eggs, beef, pork or dairy) per kilogram of body weight. For example, a 150-pound (68-kilogram) woman should eat approximately 90-100 grams of protein a day to lose weight or prevent gaining weight.

"The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. ", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 03, 2015