LowCarb is the real *SKINNY BEHIND* a world wide shrink.

CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | Jan.30 2004 | Carlo3b, A Dad, Chef, Freeper

[carlo3b]

 
LowCarb is the real *SKINNY BEHIND* a world wide shrink.

This Diet is not only reducing waistlines it is losing the Fat in the junk food job market.

By, Nutritional Chef Carlo J. Morelli
Jan. 26 2004

The Worldwide concerns about healthy diet shifts are impacting employment from Farmdale, Ohio to Kraft Foods, Poland, and the screams can be heard from the "sky is falling" crowd almost as predictably as the pounds are falling off the "we told you so" LowCarb dieters midriffs .

It appears that this is a good news, bad news scenario. The overwhelming evidence is that people are finally reading the writing on the walls regarding a shift away from the traditionally processed, high carbohydrate, fast foods, to health conscience alternatives.

Still, and to this very day, there are those among us that will discount the advantages of Low Carb diets. However, the irrefutable evidence is, that for many, not all or even most, Atkins and the Low Carb diets are working miracles for people that have never enjoyed any success in the war against their own weight. There is so much proof that this transformation is more than a parting fad, finally, and with good cause, the entire world has been impacted..

Kraft to Cut 6,000 Jobs, Close 20 Plants

By DAVE CARPENTER
AP Business Writer

January 27, 2004, 11:30 PM CST

CHICAGO -- The growing trend toward healthier eating is taking a bite out of sales and profits at Kraft Foods Inc., the nation's largest food company. Now Kraft employees are paying a price, too.

The maker of Oreo cookies, Velveeta cheese and Oscar Mayer meats disclosed plans Tuesday to cut 6,000 jobs, or 6 percent of its work force, and close up to 20 plants worldwide by 2007 in a restructuring prompted by sluggish sales and poor results for its new products.

The announcement came as the Northfield, Ill. based company reported a 7 percent decline in fourth quarter profits -- the latest in a series of financial disappointments -- and said 2004 earnings also will come in below expectations.

Kraft isn't alone in its struggles in the food business. American consumers' increased health concerns have put the entire packaged food industry under severe pressure to change quickly. Worries about the artery clogger "trans fat," rising obesity and the trend toward low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets have hurt sales of cookies and some other packaged foods.

"The growing importance of health and wellness has altered buying patterns to a degree I have not seen before in the food industry," Kraft CEO Roger Deromedi told analysts in New York. "Low-carb diets like Atkins and South Beach, the focus on trans fat, concerns about obesity and increased demand for organic and natural products are requiring a shift in how we market and what we market."

< excerpted >

EXCLUSIVE REPORTS
From the January 16, 2004 print edition

Low-carb diets force industry to adapt

Nicole Garrison-Sprenger
Staff Reporter
The rising popularity of low-carb dieting in America has Minnesota's food companies taking a gut check.

In the past year, volume sales of cereal at Golden Valley-based General Mills Inc. have declined. Sales at Minnetonka-based International Multifoods Corp., which manufactures baking mixes, boxed potatoes and pancake mixes, also shrank. Most of these products are considered high in carbohydrates.

On the other side of the equation, Austin-based Hormel Foods Corp., best known for its Spam luncheon meat and Dinty Moore beef stew, reported a 7.7 percent rise in sales over last year. National egg consumption increased roughly 3 percent in 2003. Meat and eggs are high in protein but low in carbs.

"We know that consumption is up," said Jim Wade, director of foodservice sales at Litchfield-based Sparboe Farms, which produces eggs. "A lot of it is being driven by these diets, like South Beach and Atkins. ... The industry is definitely benefiting."

Executives at most other companies, however, are hesitant to attribute any change in sales to the low-carb craze. "Certainly when you have a diet high in protein ... there's an effect on a company like Hormel," said spokeswoman Julie Craven. "But we're still looking at its overall impact."

A number of local and regional food executives believe there's at least some fallout from such diets. They also know food companies are concerned.

"I would say it's a trend that everyone is aware of and watching," said John Nelson, business development manager for Bard Advertising, an Edina-based marketing communications firm specializing in food clients. "Whether they are selling into food service or retail, food companies -- especially baking-related companies -- have seen the impact low-carb diets have had on their business."

New products
Some industry insiders say food companies must either develop low-carb products or find better ways to promote the products they now make.

"To a degree, the low-carb craze has had measurable impact on sales for consumer goods companies," said Jon Hauptman, a vice president at Willard Bishop Consulting Inc. in Barrington, Ill. "Over time I would expect that impact to be minimal as companies respond with new, low-carb products and educate consumers about the health benefits of their current items."

According to Productscan Online, a market research company in Naples, N.Y., companies introduced more than 600 low-carb products in 2003. A walk through a local grocery store revealed few, if any, such products manufactured by Minnesota-based companies.

< excerpted >

Low-carb diets blamed for decline in orange juice sales

Associated Press

BRADENTON, Fla. - The popularity of the Atkins and South Beach diets appears to be slimming down Florida's citrus industry and now juice makers are studying how to counter the trend.

Sales of orange juice have been dropping for two years now, coinciding with big growth in the two diets. At least 15 million people nationwide are following the diets, which call for the elimination of most high-carbohydrate foods, including fruit juices.

Orange juice, with it's high sugar content, is one of the beverages dieters are shunning, along with other high-carbohydrate foods such as white rice, bread, pasta and potatoes.

"We're trying to determine what impact the Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets, such as the South Beach diet, are having on orange juice sales," said Eric Boomhower, spokesman for the citrus department. "It's an important trend, and we need to understand it."

Boomhower said his agency just initiated its study, so it will take some time before conclusions are reached.

In the past year, sales of refrigerated orange juice were down 1.2 percent, and sales of frozen concentrated orange juice dropped 18.5 percent, reports Information Resources Inc., a Chicago-based food and beverage research firm.

The impact of low-carbohydrate diets on the eating of various foods has already been felt strongly.

Sales of beef, for example, shot up 22 percent during the past year, according to Information Resources.

Beef is on the recommended list for the diets. Demand for it has been so high that it has contributed to rising cattle prices in recent months.

Sales of bacon, eggs and cheese also have experienced double-digit increases during the past year. In turn, sales of newly created low-carbohydrate foods and drinks such as Atkins shakes and snack bars are up more than 60 percent and supermarkets are dedicating more shelf space to them.
 
Low-carb diets bite into sales of bread
 
Mike Fimea/The Arizona Republic

Jeff Benkel got a sense of the popularity of the Atkins diet when his bakery introduced a low-carbohydrate loaf last week.

"We introduced a test run at the Biltmore (Fashion Square) farmers' market and sold about a dozen loaves right away," said Benkel, whose family owns two Arizona Bread Company bakery/cafes in the Valley.

"It hasn't made a huge impact on our restaurant clients; the impact is on the retail side. We've had a lot of requests for low-carb bread, and we're selling a lot more salads and high-protein items at lunchtime."

Benkel and some other Valley bakers are scrambling to react to the renewed popularity of the Atkins diet, which eschews bread, pasta and potatoes in favor of meats, eggs and cheese.

First espoused by Dr. Robert Atkins in the early 1970s, the low-carb, high-protein mantra has produced three books that have sold more than 18 million copies. Atkins died in April, but his last volume, Atkins For Life, published in January, has been on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list for 39 weeks.

It's clear the Atkins craze is affecting bread consumption. According to a study by the National Bread Leadership Council, 40 percent of Americans are eating less bread than they did a year ago. The council is convening a meeting this month in Rhode Island to address how to educate the public that breaking bread is still part of a healthy lifestyle.

"It's too bad that we can't just eat all foods in moderation. But no, we have to do something dramatic all the time," said Judi Adams, president of the Wheat Foods Council and a registered dietician, referring to the Atkins diet. "We have to look for this magic bullet."

< excerpted >

WHAT HAPPENED?

For over 30 years the fast food industry, with the overwhelming encouragement and cooperation of the Federal, State, and Local nutritional gurus, have been pulling the wool over the eyes of the consumer. These so-called experts should be skinned for their pack mentality, systematic lies, distortions, and locked up for intellectual malpractice for their treatment of such visionaries as Dr Robert Atkins, who in the early 1970's warned the world of the perils of pizza, pastries, peta bread, and pasta.

It has only now become apparent that the agenda driven mantra of the food pyramid, was more akin to a grave marker than a monument to healthcare. And more is being learned everyday about the heavy handed influence of the enviro-vegan-terroist-socialist and their one-world vision and international lawmaking prowess. More people have died at the hands of these food-nannies in the name of love, than all of the bullets since the invention of gunpowder.

But, so much for the good news..

Here are some of the questions and the facts about weight gain and loss..

Q) Are the junk food makers and marketers the reason for the obesity in the world...

   A) Hell no, fat people are responsible for being fat. OREO Manufacturers are no more responsible for weight    gain than dictionary publishers are for smart kids. Only a minuscule number of morbidly obese among us are in that state because of a medical condition, or a mental disorder.  Sorry.. Discipline and hard work can and will change your waist size, and/or your grade point average.. But you already knew that, didn't you?

Q) Can TV commercial's influence the unhealthy eating habits of it's viewers..

   A) ..a ..NO!  If  TV advertising campaigns could change the way we live, all white males would drowned at birth, or incarcerated for intent to think without a woman. Madison Ave. marketing moguls freely admit that all their billion dollar ad campaigns can do is influence the brand of choice, and seldom the want or need of a product.

Q) Which diet is the best for weight loss?

   A) None, any, all!  The first question is, or should be, do I need a diet or an exercise regiment.  People within 15 pounds of their wanted weight can alter their walking habits and achieve their ideal, in a healthier, safer, and a more permanent solution by spending 30 minutes walking, than fretting for hours over ingredients, counting thingys, and shopping for exotic ghastly substitutions for good tasting foods.
Second, if it is a diet that better fits your need, what are your eating habits that most conform to the multitude of acceptable dieting methods available in the market today?..

Q) Are the LowCarb diets dangerous?

   A) Yes, this diet has as much risk as using a Stairmaster, riding a bike, following a vegetarian lifestyle or eating too many low calorie entrees. Whenever you change your eating habits drastically, or to a highly restrictive diet you pose a health risk. Anyone considering a weight loss program should start by visiting your own physician. That said, there are consequences to this or any diet.
The greatest threat that a LowCarb diet poses is that there are those that will think all they have to do is eat more meat, and cut back on carbs. That is as dangerous as flying a plane without training.. The Atkins, South Beach, and other diets have many important components to them than choosing a recipe. The diet is a lifestyle altering experience and it's success is truly dependent upon the total adaptation into your daily routine.

Q) What should I know or do to choose the right diet for me.

    A)  Great question.. Different strokes for different folks. Some diets are best suited for a man, and others lend themselves to bowlers.
Those that follow my columns already know that I believe the Atkins Diet is easier for most southerners and men. This isn't any surprise, leopards don't change their spots.  The problem with Weight Watchers and Zone, or any calorie restricted diet for men is counting stuff, and eating fresh salads.
Women on the other hand have problems eating "fat", and "greasy stuff", and generally don't mind journalizing and bookkeeping. Weight Watchers and the Ornish Diet are more in keeping with natural instincts. All bets are off with most southerners women. Most have adjusted to beef and pork, and eating grilled fatty meats.
The only draw-back to Atkins for men is bread, and pasta, aside from beer, a man would walk a mile for a sandwich, or pasta..

[carlo3b]

LowCarb Mashed Cauli-taters

Here's a terrific substitute for mashed potatoes, which everyone loves and, of course, are absolute diet-busters. Instead of potatoes, steam some cauliflower, either fresh or frozen. Once it's soft, mash it with a little liquified butter, or for fat watchers, a butter substitute. (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! tastes terrific and has no bad trans-fatty acids.) Mix in a little cream, or for the calory counters..a nonfat half-and-half substitute, which also tastes good and is healthy. Salt and pepper to taste, and you've got something that quite honestly can compete any day with the real thingy.

[carlo3b]

Turkey and cheese curried beef cubes

Yummmmm..Try this. . :)

LowCarb Lemon Zest Ricotta Crème Dessert

• 1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package sugar substitute

Mix together the ricotta, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve chilled.

[cyborg]

That sounds good...could probably get a nice crust with that but then it wouldn't be low carb :-)

[jkphoto]

Carlo . . .

Mama_Bear fixed a wonderful post roast last night and this morning was reading me the ingredients for your "LowCarb Crock Roast Italian Beef" (Pot Roast happens to be my favorite meal).

There seems to be one problem with your recipe . . . I asked her, "Where the hell are the potatoes and carrots?" and she yelled back "IT'S LOW CARB!"

[tiki]

I just want to tell all of you guys on the Atkin's diet that you CAN eat green chile. Just put it in the microwave with some salt and butter or cheese and its great. Please eat a lot of it.

BTW, I raise beef too. :-}

I'm skinny and have been all of my adult life and I think it is because I have always eaten a low-carb diet. I'm always in a hurry and hate to stop and eat and I've found you get much more energy from protiens than carbs.

[carlo3b]

Personally I think good eating habits and Exercise is better then any Low Carb/Fat diet.

Well if you read what I write including this thread heading, I have to agree that what you say is generally true.. but not for everyone. There are legions of folks that have been on these diet techniques for years, many as long as 20 years and have changed their lives..

Thank heavens you haven't got a problem that forces you to do anything different.. you are truly blessed.. but ""don't tell a fountain you won't drink from it, because someday you will be thirsty as hell"". That was an old Italian saying.. well at least it was an old Italian that said it to me.. LOL . . :)

[carlo3b]

BTW, remind me to show y'all Carlo's Clinton Legacy cookbook. I acquired my copy last week, and it's hilarious.

...Thanks..blush. . :o)

LowCarb Vegetable, Bacon Quiche Lunch Muffin Cups

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
• 2 large eggs, or 3/4 cup liquid egg substitute
• 2 rashers of microwaved bacon, crumbled
• 3/4 cup shredded cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or reduced fat cheese
• 1/4 cup diced green bell peppers
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 3 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)

1) Microwave the spinach for 20 minutes on high. Drain the excess liquid.
2) Insert a 12 cup muffin pan with foil baking cups. Spray the cups with cooking spray.
3) Blend in the eggs or substitute, cheese, peppers, onions, and spinach in a bowl. Mix well.
4) Pour evenly among the muffin cups.
5) Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, and pat down..
Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Quiche cups can be frozen and reheated in the microwave. Any combination of appropriate vegetables and cheeses may be used, also include fresh herbs, and spices to add a kick..
Serves 6

[carlo3b]

You are now on my list.. :)

LowCarb Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Garlic

•  8 small eggplants
•  1/2 lb goat cheese
•  2 teaspoons minced garlic (roast trimmed garlic in foil with a bit of olive oil in oven, at 350, for 45 mins)
•  Olive oil
•  Salt and pepper
•  6 shredded basil leaves
•  1 teaspoon red pepper flakes


1) Cut the eggplants in half and brush the cut edges with olive oil and salt and pepper.
2) Mix the cheese, garlic, red pepper, basil and blend well.
3) Place in the refrigerator to keep cool. Put the eggplants under a grill, flesh side down, and cook for 2 minutes.
Leave to cool slightly then spread the cheese mixture on the eggplants and serve.

[varina davis]

Hi Carlo, check out post 142.

[carlo3b]

Woman's World magazine (two full pages with story and photos)

WOO HOO, That is wonderful ... where can I get a copy or a link, I've tried to find it on google..All I get are subscriptions..HELP!!!

[varina davis]

Carlo, the weekly magazines are almost always in the check-out lanes at supermarkets and at pharmacies, etc. This being Sunday, however, I'm not sure how much longer the Feb. 3 issue will be on the stands. If you can't find one in the stores, let me know.

[JulieRNR21]

Thanks for this YUMMMY recipe.........BUMP

[tubebender]

Sorry for dropping out for 24 hours.. I must have a computer virus or somethin.... But I'm back.. :)

Try some chicken soup...

[.38sw]

That roast sounds yummy. I bought a rump roast today and will throw it in the crock pot tomorrow morning. Question: do I not want to brown it first? That's my habit when cooking most meats in the crock pot.

[Salvation]

**Low-carb diets force industry to adapt**

**Low-carb diets bite into sales of bread**

Now if only the USDA would come out with a new pyrmid with the 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables each day on the bottom!

[Ladysmith]

Oh yeah, that works for me!

[SuziQ]

Thanks for the lo-carb bread machine recipe!! Can't wait to try it!

[SuziQ]

Lookin good! Keep it up!

I started a low-carb thing in November and lost 12 pounds before Christmas. Didn't stay on it during the holidays and January, and gained about 5 back, but am back on it now. It's hard because I just love baked goods, but I have a little now and then just so I don't get a huge craving flung on me.

[SuziQ]

King Arthur Flour now sells a flour replacer to make lo-carb yeast bread. I don't remember the amount of flour that can be replaced by it in any recipe, but I got some the other day, and am going to try it in my bread machine.

[Aracelis]

LowCarb Crock Roast Italian Beef

MEGA-KUDOS!!! I served this a little while ago (cooked it on top of the stove) and everyone loved it. Thanks, Carlo!