Addressing this problem is, like many chronic health conditions, complicated and multi-layered. Yet accepting this complexity is, in itself, a starting point for a solution one that must equally be multi-layered and holistic in approach. Awareness of protein must extend beyond boundaries of “fit and athletic” communities, and concurrently, ways for sedentary people to access protein must be developed ways that are entirely healthier than fast food burgers.

Despite difficult and admittedly uphill battle that many sedentary Americans face today, there is reason to be rationally optimistic. There are products on market that are providing balanced sources of complete protein, yet in responsible, low-calorie and fat-free portions. Since these products are fortified with vitamins and nutrients, they can be utilized as either a supplement or a complete meal replacement. This is of notable value for dieters and “time starved” individuals who are seeking quick, convenient ways to eat healthy.

Ultimately, resolving this problem of sedentary Americans will not be easy, nor will it be rapid. It has taken generations to create statistic that 1 in 4 Americans lead sedentary lifestyles and it may take generations to unravel this knot. The hallmarks of unraveling it, however, are clear: quality awareness, quality understanding, and above all, quality nutritional products that consumers both demand, and indeed, thoroughly deserve from their food manufacturers.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com

[1] Formerly referred by its better-known name “Recommended Daily Allowance”.

[2] The USDA’s recommendation is 30% calories from fat

References

[i] Source: “The Power of Protein”. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/04_96/protein.htm

[ii] Source: “What We Think is Making Us Fat”. About.com. http://walking.about.com/cs/howtoloseweight/a/obesitycause404.htm

[iii] Source: “Cost and Consequences for Sedentary Living: New Battleground for an Old Enemy”. Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. http://www.fitness.gov/researchdigestmarch2002.pdf

[iv] Source: “Sedentary Lifestyle: a Global Public Health Problem”. The World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/hpr/physactiv/sedentary.lifestyle1.shtml

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. You can learn more about Protica at www.protica.com -- Information on Profect is available at www.profect.com

Other proposed solutions are more recent inventions. These include range of nutritional powders and “energy” bars available in most health food stores, and in a growing number of grocery stores. With respect to protein powders, while some of them do provide a decent source of protein, it is simply not a convenient source for most people. With respect to energy bars, many of them have been criticized for their high calorie and carbohydrate levels.

Another solution – and one that is garnering some serious acclaim from within health community – is fluid nutritional supplements that are easy to transport, and offer a complete protein source suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike[1]. At same time, these products are specifically designed to be low-calorie (and therefore diet-friendly), and offer additional nutrients and vitamins that body needs in addition to complete protein.

These innovative, complete protein products are a positive sign in a nutritional sector that has struggled with misinformation. Regrettably, many so-called energy bars and protein powders are laden with calories and carbohydrates. Some of them – in particular many energy bars – hardly offer any protein, which is a curious omission that most consumers do not realize as they ingest these products.

Fortunately, as noted above, there are scientifically engineered products on market that deliver complete protein and nutrition that consumers expect when they purchase something with words “nutritional supplement” on container.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com

[1] These products use “Actinase®” protein, which is derived from isolated animal sources that do not contain lactose and fat normally associated with animal-based proteins.

References

[i] Source: “The Importance of Protein”. OhioHealth. http://www.ohiohealth.com/facilities/mcconnell/weightmanage/ details/protein.htm

[ii] Source: “Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage”. Harvard School of Public Health. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein.html

[iii] Source: “How Many Vegetarians are There? A 2003 National Harris Interactive Survey Question Sponsored by The Vegetarian Resource Group”. Vegetarian Journal. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDE/is_3_22/ai_106422316

[iv] Source: “Supersized Nation: Bigger Burgers Still Rule”. WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/98/104952.htm?action=related_link

[v] Source: “How Nutritious is a PB&J?”. About. http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutritionforchildren/a/pbj.htm

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. You can learn more about Protica at www.protica.com -- Information on Profect is available at www.profect.com