School Policies on Soda Seem Flat

The American Beverage Association announced a new policy aimed at curbing the in-school sales of soda in an effort to help address the growing problem of childhood obesity. However, critics charge that the measures are as flat as day-old soda. The plan bypasses high-school students, who are seen as having "the ability to make informed choices" and focuses solely on middle-school. The new policy calls for restricting full-calorie soda and juice drinks containing 5 percent or less real juice to after-school hours. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the many types of lemonade, iced tea, flavored fruit drinks and sports drinks being peddled as alternatives are nothing more than "soda without the bubbles."

Slow Down And Taste the Rosemary

Microwave ovens, packaged foods and cup holders might be boosting our efficiency, but they certainly aren't doing wonders for the state of our health -- both physical and emotional. How can you compare a frozen lasagna with one whose home-made aroma has been wafting through the house for the past hour? The Slow Food movement, founded almost 20 years ago, is devoted to preserving the sensuous pleasures that come from cooking, tasting, smelling -- and sitting down long enough to really enjoy -- your food. Click on the link above to learn more.

The End of the Low-Carb Craze?

Atkins Nutritionals, the company launched by Dr. Robert Atkins to promote his famous diet, filed for bankruptcy last Sunday. For the past decade, the Atkins diet, which encouraged weight loss through a diet rich in proteins like meat and cheese had its share of proponents and critics. The low-carb craze peaked in early 2004, when over 9 percent of U.S. adults claimed to be on this diet, according to market research firm NPD Group. That figure declined to 2.2 percent last month. As a result, the company, which manufactures a wide range of packaged foods and supplements to support this lifestyle, suffered steep declines in sales. The company now plans to streamline its operations and focus primarily on selling its nutrition bars and shakes.