For years, people who want to lose weight reconsidered and changed what's in their diet. Many switched to low-calorie and, oftentimes, self-depriving foods to attain and maintain a healthy weight but this practice is apparently no longer as popular today as it was years ago as people appear to be ditching low-calorie food products.
Part of the reason is that dieters find low-calorie foods as dissatisfying. Instead of obsessing over the number of calories in their food, dieters now make other considerations such as opting for food that are high in fiber and made of natural ingredients. Some also go for food with more protein or fat despite that they contain more calories because they decrease the likelihood of bingeing later.
The bottom line is that people want to lose weight without feeling deprived. They're also opting for healthier and non-processed food and the new trend is catching up on popular weight-watching food and drinks.
Brands such as Diet Coke, Lean Cuisine and Special K which were marketed as dieting staples for their reduced caloric content now witness the effects of the changing preference of dieters as industry experts confirm these brands are witnessing significant decline in sales.
Chicago-based market research firm IRI reported that sales of Kellogg's Special K cereal have dropped seven percent in the last two years. Sales of Nestlé's Lean Cuisine also dropped 27 percent the last four years. Beverage Digest, which provides news and data on the non-alcoholic beverage industry, also reported that the sales volume of Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi dropped by almost seven percent in 2013.
In an effort to keep up with the shifting trends, many brands are already updating their products. Kellogg rolled out the "Special K Nourish" which contains grains that are considered healthy such as quinoa and barley. Nestlé also introduced "Honestly Good" which contains natural ingredients and comes with more calories per box than the regular Lean Cuisine. Coca-Cola and Pepsi, on the other hand, are working on sodas that use natural low-calorie sweeteners.
Still, it's worth noting that focusing on food and calories alone won't do much to people who want to have healthier bodies. Exercise is also another factor crucial to effective weight management.
