Familiar brands from Taco Bell (YUM) to Starbucks (SBUX) to Dunkin’ Donuts are rolling out new products and ad campaigns in an attempt to lure calorie-conscious consumers during the month when the $170 billion fast-food industry typically sees sales slide.

Consumers feel fat in January. Some 61% would like to lose 20 pounds, says a survey from NPD Group. And 64% of Americans say they are taking steps to improve the “healthiness” of their diets, according to the 2009 Food and Health Survey from the International Food Information Council.

The January diet rush isn’t limited to fast food. Applebee‘s just rolled out a menu with five entrees under 550 calories. But fast food is the culprit consumers most often link to fast calories. So, does it make sense for a dieter to go out for fast food?

One nutritionist offers a cautious maybe. “Just because something is ‘low-cal’ doesn’t mean it’s good for you,” says Alice Lichtenstein, nutrition professor at Tufts University. But with the current obesity crisis, she says, “It doesn’t really matter where you get your food from. What’s most important, in the long run, is the total number of calories you consume.”

Here’s who’s doing what:

•Taco Bell. The chain is nationally rolling out a Diet Drive-Thru Menu it tested last January in Omaha and Tucson. The menu has seven items with 9 or fewer grams of fat and all under 200 calories. In last year’s test, repeat purchases from the menu were the highest of any product the chain’s sold in 20 years, says Tom Wagner, vice president of consumer insights.

•Starbucks. On Jan. 12, it will roll out four hot Panini sandwiches — all under 400 calories. The chain also is promoting its “skinny” lattes. These are made with fat-free milk and are sugar-free. Switching from a regular Vanilla Latte to a Skinny Latte saves 100 calories, says Katie Thomson, senior nutritionist at Starbucks.

•Dunkin’ Donuts. The chain on Wednesday will announce that customers can order any breakfast sandwich or Wake-up Wrap made with egg whites instead of eggs. The change reduces calories by at least 25%, says Stan Frankenthaler, executive chef.

•Subway. No surprise that Subway is hyping its well-known Fresh Fit low-fat menu. “People adjust their behavior post-holiday,” says Tony Pace, who oversees Subway’s consumer marketing.

By Bruce Horovitz, USA TODAYSimilar Posts:

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It’s time to pay closer attention to what you and your friends and family are using for weight management!

New Jersey based Unilever United States Inc. which owns the Slim-Fast brand has conducted a nationwide voluntary recall of all of its canned ready-to-drink (RTD) products after dangerous bacteria was discovered by the manufacturer during a routine inspection of quality testing.

The recall has been prompted by the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism that can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Remember, this industry is NOT regulated by a government agency so nobody really knows just what is in that can, pill or pouch you are using. Always keep this in mind!

This is THE reason we chose to partner with AdvoCare! AdvoCare’s Informed Choice program exceeds other nutritional companies’ efforts in the industry and is key to opening doors to new business.

AdvoCare’s answer to Slim-Fast is SLIM.

Banned-substance free certification positions AdvoCare as a leader in the sports performance and nutrition industries.

Get your alternative at AdvoCare now and be 100% certain of what you put in your body! It’s the only ONE you’ll ever have!

Be safe and healthy!Similar Posts:

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Rehydrate

Electrolyte Replacement Drink

KEY BENEFITS:

• Helps the body stay hydrated during physical activity
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• Contains antioxidants to fight free radicals commonly produced during exercise
• Helps prevent cramping during and after exercise

IS THIS YOU?

• Someone who wants to sustain hydration and energy during physical activity
• Someone who wants a superior sports drink
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THE ISSUE:
Water is the basis for all body fluids and is involved in numerous vital metabolic processes. When we lose fluid, we also lose minerals such as calcium, potassium and sodium, which are electrolytes that help regulate the body’s fluid balance and metabolic processes. Just a two-to-five percent decrease in body fluid can reduce blood volume, decreasing oxygen delivery to muscles and organs when you need it most. Prolonged exercise, outdoor activities at elevated temperature or humidity, and occasional gastric imbalances are associated with loss of body fluid and dehydration. Decreased carbohydrate availability may also occur, resulting in low muscle glycogen levels.

One hour of moderate-intensity exercise at a temperature of 70o Fahrenheit results in an average loss of 27 ounces of sweat. Even low-intensity exercise or activity can cause significant fluid loss. At this point, performance declines due to increased reaction time, and decreased concentration and judgment. Of even more concern is the fact that the individual may be completely unaware of these occurrences until it’s too late.

THE SOLUTION:
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Unlike other sports drinks, Rehydrate Electrolyte Replacement Drink includes antioxidants, carbohydrates, electrolytes and other nutrients that effectively promote optimal hydration and recovery. Rehydrate Drink has a 1:1 ratio of sodium and potassium, two of the most vital electrolytes that are lost when we sweat. Rehydrate Drink helps prevent cramping by providing calcium, magnesium and L-glutamine to support the contraction and relaxation phases of the muscles.

This amazing sports drink also helps sustain carbohydrate energy by including chromium in its unique formulation, strengthening endurance at any activity level. Furthermore, the antioxidants in Rehydrate Drink help fight the effects of free radicals, and the amino acids support blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system. Rehydrate Electrolyte Replacement Drink provides a complete spectrum of ingredients for hydration that far exceeds other leading sports drinks, making it a superior choice for the serious or casual athlete.

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Directions For Use:
For ages 4 and older.
To prepare, shake or stir contents of one pouch or scoop into 8 fluid ounces of water.
Drink liberally before, during and after physical activity.

Key Ingredients:
L-arginine, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chromium, L-glutamine, thiamine (B-1)Similar Posts:

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Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy non-profit just released their 2009 Xtreme Eating Award winners. To keep your diet in check, order these fat and calorie-laden choices rarely, not regularly, then make sure to split with a friend. Here are three winning diet losers…..

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I happened across Steve’s blog a few days back and was immediately intrigued by the depths at which he goes to “coach” individuals in so many areas. Steve was an engineer by trade but in 2006 he realized his true desire was to help others, an area at which he clearly thrives. He has not only gone on to publish an exceptional blog, but also numerous articles in publication, as well as, an eBook, The Genius Within You.

As of this writing, I have not had an opportunity to read Steve’s ebook, but I intend to do so in the very near future. In the meantime, I will continue to visit his blog and read nearly every post, whether they are written for my needs or not, it is a very interesting set of topics to me and Steve has a very unique way of pulling his readers along, most likely, getting them to help themselves in the process.

Take some time to visit Freedom Education and learn more about Steve Martile with his series Personal Growth.

Given the readership we have here at Health and Wealth for Life and the goals and dreams set by so manyof our readers, I felt Steve’s blog was a useful tool that many could benefit from. I hope you find the investment in your time as useful as I did mine when I first came across Freedom Education. Please share your thoughts with us after visiting. As always, I would love to here from each and every one of you.

Put his writings to use and have a great evening!Similar Posts:

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