Following on from my last post about that BBC programme which looked at new scientific findings about weight loss, I noticed tonight that Marks & Spencer is advertising a new range of “Simply Fuller Longer” meals. They contain high protein – one of the key points made by the BBC programme.
Exclusive to M&S, the range was launched in January 2010. The range was developed with expert advice from scientists at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health at the University of Aberdeen. The Rowett Institute is renowned for its ground-breaking research on effective weight-loss and their work has shown that diets higher in protein result in more effective weight loss as part of a calorie controlled diet.
It’s interesting how these things work, and how people think. Only the night before I watched one of those UKTV Food programmes – Monster Munchies – which is hosted by Matt Dawson (a former rugby player). On this show, they have two teams competing to make giant versions of common well-known dishes or snacks. Usually, the finished articles are disgusting because you’ve seen how much they’ve messed around with them to get them to work.
On the programme I saw, the challenge was to make a giant Scotch Egg. Matt Dawson repeatedly turned his nose up at the idea of eating a Scotch Egg – he didn’t go into detail, but I think the point was that eggs and sausage meat are unhealthy (in his opinion), hence his dislike of the things.
If the evidence about protein is correct – and there’s no reason to doubt it – the occasional Scotch Egg (and the protein it contains) isn’t so bad after all. Particularly if you make it yourself and eat it as part of a calorie-controlled diet.
As I said in that last post, ADIs are often quite sedentary and managing their health and weight is something they need to be in control of.