If you have decided to go low carb, you may encounter some difficulties finding foods to match your dietary needs. Several factors may explain the lack of product choices, from consumer demand to the nature of the foods themselves. It may also involve the attitudes that people have about low-carb foods. They may associate them with being healthier yet not as tasty as carb-containing foods.
Consumer Preferences
Consumer preferences drive the marketplace. Despite the fact that people are aware, they may still make poor choices. These actions create a vicious circle. A study by Dustin Frazier of the Case Western Reserve University, published in the spring issue of "Health Matrix," explains that sugar is addictive, comparing it to nicotine in its effects on the human body. The reason that you may have difficulty finding low-carb foods is that consumers are addicted to foods containing sugar. The marketplace feeds this addiction with more foods containing added sugars. These foods may offer manufacturers a better payoff and a steadier flow of income than low-carb foods.
Misconceptions
When the Atkins diet debuted, the medical community condemned its plan of ultra-low-carb intake as potentially harmful. Mayo Clinic disputed its claims for significant, long-term weight loss. It also warned of the possibility of nutritional deficiencies. The stance of some medical professionals may have swayed consumers to forgo low-carb diets as a weight-loss strategy. Manufacturers responding to consumer demand may have dropped low-carb lines of foods and beverages in response. Curiously, the American Diabetes Association, which once condemned low-carb diets, now embraces reduced-carb intake as a way to better manage blood sugar.
Dietary Habits
Carbohydrate-containing foods form a major part of the American diet. The USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, explain that grain-based desserts or baked goods are the no. 1 source of calories for Americans aged 2 or older. Yeast breads and pizza share the second major source of calories. The factor tying all of these foods together is carbohydrate content. Americans simply prefer foods containing carbohydrates. Sodas and energy drinks also contribute to carb intake, accounting for over 35 percent of the added sugars consumed by Americans.
Public Perception
Public perception can influence product availability. People may view low-carb foods as healthier but not necessarily better tasting. This perception can lead to a decrease in demand and reduced availability. Eating, of course, is a pleasurable activity. Going on a low-carb diet may cause some individuals to feel deprived. The association may be that eating low-carb is unsatisfying, and some individuals may have simply given up on trying to lose weight. Whether true or not, these public perceptions of low-carb foods can determine what foods you find on your grocery store shelves.
References
- "Health Matrix"; The Link Between Fast Food and the Obesity Epidemic; D. Frazier; Spring 2007
- Mayo Clinic: Atkins Diet; What's Behind the Claims?; July 16, 2009
- "Diabetes Care"; Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes---2008; American Diabetes Association; January 2008
- USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 - Balancing Calories to Manage Weight
- USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 - Foods and Food Components to Reduce
Member Comments