The manifestation of this addiction goes beyond mere obesity something that is widely considered to be a severe public health crisis[ii]. Even among non-obese Americans, researchers are identifying a wave of general malnutrition that is sweeping across country due to addictive snacking habits[iii].

This addiction to snacking is enhanced, ironically, by rather confusing range of so-called diet-friendly foods on market. Some foods that are dubbed “lo-carb” diet-foods are actually causing weight gain among some dieters[iv]. In fact, some “lo-carb” labeled foods are comprised of little more than unhealthy saturated fats and even worse, they have an incredibly high calorie count[v].

Furthermore, many self-professed “lo-carb” foods are dangerously devoid of essential proteins and vitamins. The resulting nutritional shortage often compels dieters – even subconsciously -- to crave stimulating foods of all kinds. These cravings often include what is closest at hand: snacks and other nutritionally bankrupt junk foods.

Snacking is indeed a problem that America must begin resolving within first few years of this 21 century. A real, practical, tangible solution is required now more than ever before, because education and awareness are not enough.

This does not imply that education and awareness aren’t vital allies in fight against snacking and unhealthy eating. Education and awareness have played an important role thus far, and have helped create a number of healthier eating options. Indeed, “lighter fare” choices in restaurants, and occasional granola bar in a vending machine that is otherwise loaded with chocolate bars, are worthy gains that education and awareness have inspired. Yet education and awareness are, in and of themselves, evidently not halting this epidemic addiction to snacking quickly enough.

Adding to problem is that so many of these junk food products are packaged in a way that implies some semblance of nutritional value. Terms like “on go” or “instant meal” or “for busy lifestyles” adorn many packages for foods that are virtually nothing more than glorified snack foods foods that are absolutely not providing vitamins and proteins that a healthy diet requires.

Therefore, a new approach to solving this problem is required one that stems from momentum gained by awareness and education, but delivers a real, tangible product in hands of Americans who want to regain control over what makes them move.

The reason for this national dietary deficiency is not due to any single source or kind of nutrition misinformation. Nor can it be said that a lack of interest or effort on part of health-conscious Americans is to blame. Actually, there are more health-conscious Americans than ever before. The problem of poor eating habits is not a strategic, idealistic, or tactical one it is a logistical dilemma.

Americans of all ages live such busy, fast-paced lifestyles, that eating nutritious meals is seen as something of a luxury to be enjoyed on special occasions or when one rarely has a few hours to prepare a complete meal. Seldom is this healthy eating challenge more pressing, however, than for typical business traveler[i].

The second biggest source for unhealthy food in life of a typical business traveler begins at airport. The vast majority of these hubs of transit activity offer travelers a selection of fast foods or snack foods that are usually very high in carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and loaded with calories.

Yet if airport or station is second biggest source of unhealthy eating, then what is first? Without doubt, it is on airplane itself.

In past, criticism levied against airline food was its sheer tastelessness and lack of variety. Yet as overall awareness of nutrition – and lack of nutrition – in some food sources has grown over past decade, a related distress has grown over nutritionally flawed food that most business travelers are subjected to while en route.

Indeed, according to a study by American weight-loss program organization Nutricise[ii], average meal served by airlines in all service classes tops 1000 calories. This high number for a single meal is more than half daily total number of calories for “average eaters”. Yet this problem goes beyond calorie counting. Almost 45% of 1000+ calories in an airline meal come from fat which is a full 15% more than some experts recommend as 30% optimum daily fat-from-calorie level[iii].

In response to this challenge, some airlines are offering more eating options for business travelers, including vegetarian and vegan meals that are typically (though not always) lower in saturated fat, calories, and sodium. However, a 2003 study[iv] by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) regrettably noted that of 10 airlines surveyed, only 1 of 10 was observed to provide easily available healthy eating choices. 3 of 10 airlines offered some degree of healthy eating options, though planning ahead was necessary -- something that is not always feasible for business travelers. The remaining 6 airlines surveyed were criticized for providing little or no effort at offering vegetarian (i.e. low-fat, low sodium, low calorie) in-flight eating options.