Wild Oats Markets expanding storewide superfoods education program
Superfoods are a group of wholesome foods that pack a nutritious punch.
03/01/06 Superfoods, the heavy-hitters of the food world, have been creating quite a stir among nutritionists and consumers, alike; now there's even more reason for excitement. In best-selling author Dr. Steven Pratt's 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., 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.
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.
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 Year's resolutions.
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 Alzheimer's.
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 Company's markets include: Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets.
