Fahrenfat 711
Posted on 07/14/2004 4:23:35 PM PDT by Nachum
NEW YORK (Reuters) - So much for the low-carbohydrate lifestyle.
More than half of all U.S. consumers that have tried following diets that eschew carbs such as bread and sugar have given up, a survey released on Wednesday found, and interest in the popular regimens appears to have plateaued.
According to research firm InsightExpress, which conducted the survey online, fewer than 10 percent of Americans are currently on popular low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins, South Beach and The Zone.
In contrast, a survey conducted in December of last year by Opinion Dynamics Corporation found that, at the time, 11 percent of Americans were on low-carb diets.
The latest InsightExpress poll of 500 Americans also found that of survey participants who were not following low-carb diets, fewer than one in five would consider buying a low-carb product because they perceive a diet low in carbs to be unhealthy.
That's unwelcome news for U.S. food companies such as H.J. Heinz Co. and General Mills Inc. that have scrambled in the past year to keep up with the low-carb trend by reformulating staples such as ketchup, cereal and yogurt to reduce their carbohydrate content.
In fact, Legg Mason beverage analyst Mark Swartzberg said on Wednesday that sales of mid-calorie colas recently introduced by both PepsiCo Inc. and Coca-Cola Co. "are either slow builds or something closer to dead on arrival."
In a research note, Swartzberg said the findings were based on feedback from 51 U.S. retailers who had devoted shelf space to Coke's C2 and Pepsi's Pepsi Edge colas. The products, launched in June, were intended to appeal to calorie- and carb-wary consumers, reducing the sugar by adding Splenda, an alternative sweetener.
Americans always give up on their diets. Is this really news?
About frickin' time.
The only diet that works: Eat less, exercise more.
Everything else is hype.
Say your prayers, Atkins Corporation.
I have foregone Potatoes, Corn, Refined Flour products, pasta, and foods with Sugar. I eat meats, Veggies, fruits and Whole Grain products.
I do try and eat lean meats, skinless poultry etc in addition to the no sugar, and work out 3 times a week (Weight lifting & 45 minutes on stationary cycle).
According to research firm InsightExpress, which conducted the survey online, fewer than 10 percent of Americans are currently on popular low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins, South Beach and The Zone.In contrast, a survey conducted in December of last year by Opinion Dynamics Corporation found that, at the time, 11 percent of Americans were on low-carb diets.
Could it be that the 9% drop in the numbers of Low Carb Dieters is due to the fact that those nine percent achieved their weight loss goals???
I know that although I am continuing on the Atkins regimen, I have lost over 50 lbs since I started on Atkins in December. Many who had less to lose will have lost it and, contrary to Atkins' advice, returned to the "carb-heavy" diet that gave them the pounds that Atkins lost for them.
This sounds like mere wishful thinking on the Carbohydrate Industrialist's part.
Methodologically fraudulent poll. Throw it out, it means nothing.
When I say "normal" carb, I mean about 100g a day. Not the 400g+ that you would eat by following that food pyramid.
A high carb diet was definitely the problem for me. It drained me of energy, made me tired and kept me hungry all the time.
Wow, going from 11% down to 10% out of a survey of 500 people means that instead of 55 people saying they are on a low-carb diet 5 less people did. How can that show a trend of anything?
In contrast, a survey conducted in December of last year by Opinion Dynamics Corporation found that, at the time, 11 percent of Americans were on low-carb diets.
LOL, given the MOE that incidentally, they don't mention, this survey doesn't tell us anything meaningful. More crap by people who are both bad at math and don't know anything about losing weight.
Outstanding. I would guess you're at the maintenance phase and certainly at 100g a day in carbs, if you are not gaining, thats what matters. Also, 100g a day is actually quite generous after going months with practically none.
That is basically what I have been doing with Sugarbusters. down from 260 to 230, hope to be down to 200 by the holidays. Feel better than I have in years. Can now go 45 minutes on the bike, without hardly being winded.
LOL!! An online poll!!!
Statistically meaningless.
I agree! The body can survive with 2 good meals a day, and plenty of exercise! I walk 2.5 miles 3x's a week and have two meals per day. I am now on my ideal weight and have kept off those nasty pounds for over 8yrs. Oh, and DON'T eat after five, that's the trick!
If Atkins is a sham, then why is the FDA talking about changing the food pyramid?
The Carb Craze is too Crazy.....IMHO
Fahrenfat 711
"going from 11% down to 10% out of a survey of 500 people.."
Yup, I noticed that too.
Well folks - it's summer - a traditionally slow season for ANY news (I don't count Kerry/Edwards as news...)
Reuters.
Do they EVER get anything right?
Dan
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