2011 to Be the Year of the Diet

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Although devoid of any startling recommendations, the updated USDA dietary guidelines in conjunction with technological advancements and First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" program positions 2011 as the year of the diet, according to an article in this month's edition of Food Nutrition & Science.

According to Phil Lempert, founder of Food Nutrition & Science and CEO of The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru.com, 2011 will mark the time when Americans make permanent, positive changes in their diets.

"People will stop demonizing single nutrients or ingredients and begin approaching food more holistically," says Lempert. "Shoppers will circle the aisles seeking foods rich in substance, vitamins, minerals and of course, taste."  

Lempert says in 2011 shoppers can expect easier-to-read labels, produce stickers that highlight the health benefits, products with Vitamin D to be touted everywhere and sodas with less carbonation, a blend of Stevia and sugar to keep calories low, and more fruit based flavors.

In addition, Lempert adds that "local" products will be huge and shoppers can expect major food companies to introduce regional flavors and items based on what's local to their area.

"Also watch for Food Apps as technology not only allows for in-store information, but also will be used as the checkout," says Lempert. "A scan of the bar code will tell you everything you need to know to decide what to buy, and then adds to your list automatically. Expect Instant Messages with specials that last for a maximum of a half-hour targeting your likes and dislikes and offering tremendous savings."

Other articles in December's Food Nutrition & Science include recent findings from a 13 country joint Scientific Consensus that concludes that healthy carbohydrate foods, like pasta meals, do not cause obesity; an update on how Dole Food Company has improved its food safety and is now an example for other companies; an article from Leah McGrath, RD, LDN the Corporate Dietitian from Ingles Supermarketson how retailers can better merchandise food so it appeals to customers senses; and an interview with second generation farmer Ben Moore from Dresden, Tennessee, who grows corn and soybeans and raises cattle and hogs on his 3200-acre farm.

Food Nutrition & Science is a free monthly newsletter with articles relating to retailers, manufacturers, farmers, nutritionists, educators, government agencies and more. It's also a newsletter that services members of the National Grocer Association and offers breaking food news and articles on food safety and industry-wide green initiatives. Food Nutrition & Science is committed to covering topics and trends that interest anyone with a stake in the food industry including supermarket retailers, food manufacturers and consumers.  Each issue contains an interview with a farmer.

In fact, in continuing to honor the American farmer, Food Nutrition & Science is currently accepting nominations for its "Farmer of the Year" Award. The winner will receive an Apple iPad, an award plaque, and a feature in Food Nutrition & Science, Food News Today, The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru.com. 

To nominate a farmer, please send a one page description of the farmer including any special efforts in sustainability and contributions to their community. We also will accept photos and video, but these are not required. Send nominations by January 15th to Allison Bloom at [email protected].

For more information or to subscribe to Food Nutrition &Science, please visit www.FoodNutritionScience.com.

About Food Nutrition & Science

With more than 26,000 readers, Food Nutrition & Science from The Lempert Report is the only monthly newsletter that provides readers analysis and offers discussions on all issues relating to the food industry. Founded by food industry analyst and CEO of The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru.com Phil Lempert, Food Nutrition & Science was created so that all industry players could communicate about the safest, most efficient and healthiest way to get food to our plates. For more information or to subscribe to Food Nutrition &Science, please visit www.FoodNutritionScience.com.

SOURCE Food Nutrition & Science