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New Superfoods Join the Power-Packed List
Wild Oats Introduces the Superfoods - Super You! Healthy Eating Plan
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Superfoods, the
heavy-hitters of the food world, have been creating quite a stir among
nutritionists and consumers, alike; now theres even more reason for
excitement. In best-selling author Dr. Steven Pratts new book "SuperFoods
HealthStyle," -- in stores in January -- new items have been added to the list
of nutrient-rich, health-boosting superfoods. These include: apples,
cinnamon, kiwifruit, herbs and spices, honey, dark chocolate and pomegranates.
With the arrival of the New Year, millions of Americans will resolve to lose
weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Rather than focus on fad diets that are
typically short-lived, incorporating superfoods can lead to lasting health
benefits and healthy weight management.
The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that
30 percent of American adults 20 years of age and older -- more than 60
million people -- are obese. And, according to the latest National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 65 percent of American adults are
overweight. The new Dietary Guidelines published in April 2005 recommend
increasing consumption of certain foods -- or superfoods -- that are likely to
have important health benefits for most Americans.
In response to this growing national concern, Wild Oats Markets, Inc.
(Nasdaq: OATS), a leading national natural and organic foods retailer, is
expanding its storewide superfoods education program to help consumers boost
overall health, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight, naturally in the
New Year. In addition to encouraging customers to incorporate more
nutrient-dense superfoods into their diets, Wild Oats has created the
Superfoods -- Super You! Healthy Eating Plan.
Superfoods -- Super You! Healthy Eating Plan
The Superfoods -- Super You! Healthy Eating Plan is designed to help
consumers understand the benefit of vitamins, minerals and supplements, and to
consider the balance between eating well and exercising regularly. The
48-page guide is now available in Wild Oats stores for $1 and includes:
information on the various superfoods, their health benefits, great-tasting
recipes, a flexible meal plan developed by Wild Oats dietitians and
nutritionists, handy shopping lists, information on vitamins and supplements,
recommendations for living a healthy lifestyle, and hydration, fitness and
mindful eating tips.
"At Wild Oats, our goal is to enhance the lives of our customers with
products and education that support health and well-being," said Tricia
DiPersio, PhD, RD, Food Safety Specialist and Corporate Dietitian for Wild
Oats Markets. "Instead of telling people what they should avoid, as most
diets do, our program focuses on the foods people should be eating to support
a healthy lifestyle, or superfoods. For example, our Asian Crunch Salad with
grilled turkey tenderloin and slivered almonds is a delicious meal made with a
number of superfoods. The almonds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the turkey
is an excellent source of lean protein and the cabbage is a great source of
dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. Healthy eating can be very rewarding
and theres no better time than the start of the New Year to begin your
journey to better health."
Through this program, Wild Oats is making it easy for shoppers to identify
and learn about superfoods, understand their role in weight management, kick
off a healthy New Year, and sustain healthy eating throughout the year. In
addition to its consumer education program, Wild Oats will host an on-going
schedule of in-store health tours and lectures with Dr. Steven Pratt and
nutrition experts across the country to help consumers incorporate superfoods
into their healthy lifestyles and to stick to their New Years resolutions.
The Skinny on Superfoods
Superfoods are a group of wholesome foods that pack a nutritious punch.
In addition to tasting fantastic, superfoods contain an exceptionally high
nutrient content when compared to the amount of calories per serving. Wild
Oats staff has researched the superfoods most recommended by dietary experts
and has highlighted the following food groups in its stores: berries, citrus,
cruciferous vegetables, eggs, green foods, green leafy vegetables, legumes,
nuts, oats, olives and olive oil, fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, orange
vegetables, sea vegetables, seeds, soy, tea, tomatoes, turkey, whole grains,
and yogurt and kefir. For 2006, Wild Oats has expanded its list of superfoods
to include the following: apples, cinnamon, kiwifruit, herbs and spices,
honey, dark chocolate and pomegranates.
Medical professionals say that superfoods, also called "functional foods,"
may help people feel more energetic, provide protection against disease, and
promote a healthy lifestyle now and for the future. The antioxidants found in
superfoods are a class of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that may help
eliminate chemically active oxygen molecules thought to contribute to aging
and chronic ailments such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimers.
"Not only are superfoods growing in popularity as more people become
educated about health and nutrition, but at Wild Oats, weve made it easy for
them to identify these foods and incorporate them into their daily lives,"
said Dr. DiPersio. "We wanted to develop the Superfoods -- Super You! Healthy
Eating Plan to make it easy for our customers to make superfoods a part of
their lives, and to achieve and maintain a healthy weight the natural way. In
addition, there is educational signage throughout our stores and we provide
valuable health information on our website. Weve developed this
comprehensive guide and educational program to help people feel better, look
great and, ideally, increase their overall health for the long-term."
Meal plans, recipes and grocery shopping lists are available at
http://www.wildoats.com/superfoods. Consumers can visit the Superfoods -- Super You!
Healthy Eating Plan Online Forum for ongoing support, including exercise tips,
recipe ideas, superfoods information and more.
About Wild Oats
Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods
markets in the U.S. and Canada. The Company operates 113 natural foods stores
in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Companys markets include:
Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henrys Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers
Community Markets. For more information, please visit the Companys website
at http://www.wildoats.com.
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