A new development in nutrition research called ‘capsulized food’ aims to exceed these requirements. Pennsylvania-based Protica Research is first of what will likely be many companies dabbling in this new food frontier. Among other development initiatives on their roster, Protica Research engineers liquid foods that are ultra-compact, nutrient-dense, and above all else, very palatable. Their first product, Profect®, delivers 25 grams of protein and complete spectrum of water-soluble vitamins in less than three fluid ounces. This on-the-go nutrition has some consumers re-thinking their traditional eating habits. An examination of four fundamental requirements for food will help explain why.

NUTRIENT DENSITY

Nutrition. It is our first priority when it comes to eating. While it is not always on front of our minds when we reach for food, it is reason we eat. There are many nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor foods available to us, and we must always consume our fair share of nutrient-rich foods for sake of our health, well-being and energy level.

The challenge is that nutrient-dense foods—such as milk, eggs, fish, and chicken—are not always within arms reach. Snacks, junk food and fast food generally are. It often takes too much effort for a busy person to procure necessary vitamins and protein, and so we end up going without. This can hurt us in long run as our immune system and energy levels suffer. Studies have shown that many of so-called ‘junk food junkies’ and ‘fast food addicts’ would prefer eating nutritionally sound foods if they were within arm’s reach.

SUPPORTING BODY TRANSFORMATION GOALS For many of us, we keep a careful eye on foods we eat. Either we are trying to lose fat, gain muscle, or maintain what we have. Whether we are browsing supermarket aisles or a restaurant menu, we find ourselves looking for foods that are consistent with these goals.

For some, low-carbohydrate foods are at top of shopping list. These consumers have become more aware of health risks and weight gain associated with eating carbohydrate-rich foods. For others, low-fat foods are order of day. Still others seek a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

The common denominator in all of these diets is protein, along with supporting micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

While it is possible to get vitamins and protein without fat or carbohydrates when you are cooking at home, it is a much taller order to do that in a compact transportable meal. Manufacturers like EAS and Protica Research offer high protein beverages to support any transformation goals. Protica’s Profect provides a full 25 grams of protein and complete spectrum of water-soluble vitamins. The important point for diet conscious, however, is that all of these nutrients come without cost of fat and carbohydrates. This allows your body to maintain health and energy without weighing you down with unnecessary carbohydrates or fat.

TASTE

The result of this dilemma has been an additional layer of stress applied on top of an already stressful life. This has further highlighted stress as America’s top health problem something that was first brought to public attention in early 1980s, and has since more obvious in 2 decades since then[i].

Once link between time mismanagement and stress is made – and it is virtually axiomatic at this point that this link exists[ii] -- a range of adverse health and nutrition consequences often result. The vicious cycle that ensues is harrowing and known to most people through direct experience, or via painfully seeing it manifest in life of a family member, friend, or colleague.

Stress can -- and often does -- lead to unhealthy eating[iii], which in turn, leads to even more stress because body is not receiving essential micronutrients and vitamins that it requires. While this is happening, since poor eating is often associated with undesirable weight gain, another level of psychological stress – this one associated with body image problems – is unleashed.

Although if cycle ended here this would be enough to solidify this as a major problem, it continues beyond this point and becomes worse.

This psychological stress due to body image problems/weight gain often leads to “emotional eating”. It is estimated that 75% of all overeating is result of emotional eating[iv]. This, in turn, leads to yet more nutritional deficiency, since emotional eating is typically of unhealthy comfort foods that are rich in saturated fat. This – as can be inferred -- leads to yet more stress, and cycle continues, unabated, often resulting in malnutrition, obesity, and in more cases than most average people realize, even suicide.

The almost clinical description of this negative cycle in preceding paragraphs does not remotely capture indescribable pain and suffering that tens of millions of Americans experience each day due to collision of stress, lack of time, and poor eating habits. While no description could accurately capture devastation that this negative loop causes, it is enough in context of this article to firmly declare that it is a profoundly significant crisis.

No quick-fix solution to a problem of this magnitude is possible, and any attempt for an overnight solution should be met with most aggressive skepticism. The key to addressing a situation of this immense complexity is to identify root cause, and then provide remedies that mitigate or in some cases, avoid negative loop from beginning in first place.