WHOLE FRESH UNREFINED & UNPROCESSED FOODS

 

Obesity Free Foods (OFF) program encourages consumers to choose whole, fresh, unrefined and unprocessed foods as a core part of their diet, while limiting artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats.

 

WHAT ARE OBESITY FREE FOODS?

 

Obesity Free Foods are calorie controlled options that promote weight control. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA)) Evidence Analysis Library (EAL), portion control should be part of a comprehensive weight management program. Portion controlled meals and snacks results in reduced energy intake and greater weight loss (rating: Fair; imperative). And, according to the USDA Nutrition Evidence Library, strong evidence documents a positive relationship between portion control and weight loss.

Options include foods that are high in fiber and whole grains (when appropriate). Good sources of fiber have 2.5-4.9 gms per serving; excellent sources have 5 gms per serving. OFF food options will be at minimum, a good source of fiber for appropriate food groups. According to the USDA Nutrition Evidence Library and the ADA EAL; there is moderate evidence that intake of whole grains and fiber is associated with lower body weight.

 

LOW SODIUM

 

Low sodium foods are defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as having 140 mg or less sodium. This goal will be used for appropriate choices and condiments/sauces but not for all food groups. However, Obesity Free Foods will use 10% of the recommended sodium content (2,300 mg sodium daily) for healthy American’s under 51 years old as the maximum guideline (less than 230 mg per serving size) for most food groups. The USDA 2010 Dietary guidelines state that the average sodium intake for all Americans ages 2 years and older is approximately 3,400 mg per day. (Note: Per the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, adults age 51 and older, African Americans of any age, and individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease should further reduce their sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day).

 

LOW FAT

 

Total fat content goal for product will be based on less than 25% of total calories from fat content. Therefore, if a product has 100 calories the goal would be no more than 3 grams of fat per 100 calories. (ex... 9 calories per gram of fat would mean that this product has 27 calories from fat per serving, which is approximately 25% of the total calories) However, foods that have healthy fat sources from monounsaturated and omega 3 fats may be included despite having greater than 25% of calories from fat if the source is heart healthy fats such as higher fat fish (salmon), nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, or canola oil, etc.. (USDA Dietary Guidelines, 2010). The USDA Nutrition Evidence Library found moderate evidence from prospective cohort studies suggesting that increased intake of dietary fat is associated with greater adiposity in children.

 

The USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend a goal of <10% of calories from saturated fat; therefore OFF food choices will have <10% of calories from saturated fat and encourage the majority of food choices from foods that have no saturated fat content.

No hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats/trans fats.

No artificial colors and flavors, or artificial sweeteners.  Only Natural colors, flavors and spices are allowable in OFF products.  According to the USDA Nutrition Evidence Library, a moderate body of epidemiological evidence suggests that greater consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with increased body weight in adults. In addition, the library stated that strong evidence supports the concept that greater intakes of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with increased adiposity in children.  Finally, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines state that Americans consume in excess of an average of 800 calories daily from added solid fats and sugars which is an average of 35% of total calories. Reducing these food sources will allow more room for nutrient dense foods that are higher in fiber and vitamins and minerals; without resulting in excessive calorie intake.

WHOLE FRUIT SWEETENERS

 

For sweetening, only dried powders or liquid concentrates made from whole fruits, stevia, xylitol, agave nectar, raw honey, coconut palm sugar and barley malt syrup may be used so long as they meet the caloric content of the particular food group.

Only Natural antimicrobials and antioxidant preservatives shall be used in Obesity Free Food products. Examples include Ascorbic acid, citric acid, and tocopherols. Acceptable products by their trade names include Biovia, Guardian, MicroGard, Natamax, Nisaplin and NovaGard.

 

NATURAL

 

Only Natural Foods and Natural Ingredients may be used in Obesity Free Foods.