Fast Scroll:
What IS in the Appetizer Diet Cookie®?
What's NOT in the Appetizer Diet Cookie?
Nutrition Facts List
Ingredients List

What is Xylitol?
Why use Guar Gum?
Why use Psyllium?
What are "Net Carbs?"
What are Sugar Alcohols?
Does the cookie contain wheat? Is it Gluten-Free?

Why does the Appetizer Diet Cookie work so well where other diets fail?
Why use expensive, organic, non-GMO, chemical-free, natural, pure Brazilian Sugars?
Why is the FDA raving about the Oats and Oat Bran found in the Appetizer Diet Cookie?
Why is Dietary Fiber so darn important to our health and Weight Management?

Why choose protein snacks?
Why has Soy Protein received so much positive press?
Why is advanced, designer Whey Protein concentrate such a big deal?
Can I get a smaller waist size just by eating a Whey Protein supplement? Yes you can!
How can Whey Protein impact everyday areas of your life and health?

No Stimulants!  Just Nutrients!

Q: What IS in the Appetizer Diet Cookie®?

Fiber! 8 grams of high-quality fiber
Protein! 5 grams of top-quality whey protein & soy protein isolate!
Low carb! Only 11 net carbohydrates! [ learn more ]
Whopping 14 vitamins/minerals at 35% Daily Value (How much the FDA says you need!)
Vitamins! (Vitamin A, C, D, E, H, B6, B12, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid)
Essential Minerals! (Iron, Zinc, Copper)
High-Quality, Organic and Non-GMO, Natural, Pure, Chemical Free Sugars
Amazing Sugar-Alcohols! [ learn more ]
All-Natural Good-For-You Ingredients: Honey, Raisins, Cinnamon, Vanilla, etc.

Q: What's NOT in the Appetizer Diet Cookie?

NO STIMULANTS
NO GLUTEN (100% GLUTEN-FREE)
NO WHEAT
NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS
NO PRESERVATIVES
NO EPHEDRA
NO MA-HUANG
NO PHENFEN
NO CAFFEINE
NO ALUMINUM (No aluminum in the Baking Powder)
NO DENATURED OR BLEACHED PROTEIN SOURCES
98% LACTOSE FREE PROTEIN (Designer Whey Protein with less than 10% lactose!)

Q: What's in the Nutrition Facts List?

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 cookie (38g) Amount Per Serving % DV Calories 160 - Calories from Fat 45 - Total Fat 5g 8% Saturated Fat 0.5g 3% Cholesterol 5mg 2% Sodium 75mg 3% Potassium 100mg 3% Total Carbohydrate Net Carbohydrates: Only 11 grams 22g 7% Dietary Fiber Why is Dietary Fiber So Crucial? 8g 32% Organic Sugar What is Brazilian Organic Sugar? 8g - Sugar Alcohol What is Sugar Alcohol? 3g - Protein Why Choose Protein Snacks? Powerful Impact of Soy Protein. What is Advanced Whey Protein? 5g - Vitamin A 35% Vitamin C 35% Calcium 4% Iron 40% Vitamin D 35% Vitamin E 40% Thiamin 35% Riboflavin 35% Niacin 35% Vitamin B6 35% Vitamin B12 35% Biotin 35% Pantothenic Acid 35% Zinc 35% Copper 35% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Q: What's in the Ingredients List?
 

INGREDIENTS: Fiber Blend: [ Oats    Oat Bran    Guar Gum    Psyllium ] Polydextrose (Fiber) Honey Canola Oil Whey Protein Concentrate Evaporated Cane Juice Xylitol Egg Whites Raisins Soy Protein Isolate Raisin Juice Concentrate Lecithin Cinnamon Vanilla Vitamin Premix: [ Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)    Biotin (Vitamin H)    D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)    Niacin as Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)    Pyridoxine Hyrdochloride (Vitamin B6)    Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)    Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)    Vitamin A Palmitate    Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)    Choleacalciferol (Vitamin D3)    D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Natural    Copper Gluconate    Iron    Zinc ] Sodium Bicarbonate Baking Powder (Non-Aluminum) And Salt

The Appetizer Diet Cookie (an 80 to 160 calorie option; depending on whether you satisfy your appetite with a half or a whole cookie) that offers you all of the fiber benefits plus the benefits of soy, and protein from both soy and whey. And is packed with hand-picked key ingredients, each with specific benefits to help you meet your goals. You can read about them in the articles listed below!

These choices offer a combination of nutritional and educational technology that Vitamark International has chosen based on research into why most diets fail. By listening to the most common complaints that led people to abandon their diets ("it didn't taste good", "I didn't feel full", "it was too complicated", etc.) we formulated a simple plan, which takes into consideration physiological, psychological and emotional issues.

Are delicious and taste pleasing*
Help us keep it simple (no menus to plan, no calories, carbs, fats or proteins to count)*
Helps you feel fuller, longer*
Helps you feel satisfied with fewer calories*
Helps reduce your cravings for fattening foods*
Helps you resist binging*
Helps reduce "dieters" jitters and shakes*
Has a positive impact on normal cholesterol levels*
Has a positive impact on normal blood sugar levels*
Supports stabilization of metabolic processes*
Help with proper elimination of wastes from the body*
Has an impact on fat in your diet*
Can be used with any weight management system!
And... so much more! Read the eye-opening articles below to learn more!

When taken 15-45 minutes before a meal, the ingredients in the Appetizer Diet Cookie help you feel fuller longer; and; therefore will cut down on the amount you eat and help control cravings between meals.

Q: What Are Sugar Alcohols?
By Jana Mitcham

"If you've looked lately at the Nutrition Facts panel on a pack of sugar-free gum or candy… it contains Sugar Alcohol. Don't let the name fool you… it is neither sugar nor alcohol.”
—Yale-New Haven Hospital

What are Sugar Alcohols? Jim Jackson recently asked this question when he noticed that they were an ingredient of the Appetizer Diet Cookie. It's a great question and here's the answer:

Dear Jim,

Sugar alcohols (according to the "Yale-New Haven Hospital Nutrition Advisor") occur naturally in foods and come from plants (depends on the type of sugar alcohol) such as fruits, vegetables, seaweed, cereals, mushrooms, and berries. They are not the same as alcohol nor do they contain ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages) and they are not artificial sweeteners.

They are used as sweeteners and bulking agents in place of sugar because they:

generally are just as sweet as sugar,
contain fewer calories (about 1/2 to 1/3),
don't cause tooth decay like sugar, 
are converted to glucose more slowly than sugar,
require little or no insulin to be metabolized
and don't cause sudden increases in blood sugar.

Yale-New Haven points out that this makes them popular with diabetics; and thus are found in many "sugar free" hard candies, cookies, chewing gums, soft drinks, toothpastes, mouthwashes and throat lozenges.

The most common side effect (reported with consumption of in excess of 15 grams and also common with over-indulgence with fruit sugars and fruit juices) is the possibility of bloating or a laxative effect--again when eaten in excessive amounts. The American Diabetes Association claims that sugar alcohols are acceptable in moderate amounts--over-indulgence does provide calories and carbohydrates.

The common sugar alcohols are mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol,isomalt and maltitol.

Once again, sugar alcohols are neither sugars nor alcohol—it is just that part of their structure resembles sugar and the other part is similar to alcohol. They are naturally occurring:

Mannitol comes from pineapple, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes or carrots.

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol and comes from fruit, cereals, mushrooms, etc. Different sugar alcohols come from different natural sources.

Q: What are Net Carbohydrates? What's a "Net Carb Count?"
By Jana Mitcham

You will often see them in foods posting a "Net Carbohydrate" count. A "Net Carbohydrate " count for low carbohydrate dieters is the total number of carbohydrates in a product less carbohydrates from fiber and sugar alcohols. This is due to the slower manner in which it converts to glucose and the fact that it doesn't cause sudden increases in blood sugar.

Thus, the Appetizer Diet Cookie, which has a total carbohydrate count of 22 grams, would only count as 11 Net Carbohydrates (subtract out the 3 grams of carbs from sugar alcohols and 8 grams from fiber). This is especially important for people following Atkins or other low carbohydrate diet guidelines.

	"Net Carbohydrates Chart" For The Appetizer Diet Cookie Total Carbohydrates 22 grams Sugar Alcohols - 3 grams Fiber - 8 grams     Net Carbohydrates          11 grams

Why? Because these expensive Brazilian Sugars are:

The Highest Quality

Organic & Non-GMO

Completely Pure & Natural

Chemical Free
    (Free of harmful chemicals found in some refined sugars; such as, phosphoric acid,
     sulphur dioxide, preservatives, or any flocculants, surfactants, bleaching agents,
     or viscosity modifiers.)

This sugar retains most of the mineral content inherent prior to processing
    which allows it to be digested and recognized by the body as a food.

The Organic Sugar found in Appetizer Diet Cookie is produced in Brazil using unburned "green cane" grown by The Green Cane Project, producers of the world's finest organic sugar cane products. Yes, it's a much more expensive sugar but we believe it absolutely worth the price - we are talking about your health after all!  Here's why:

They use the most advanced processing techniques available to insure that your sugar is completely pure and natural (free of harmful chemicals found in some refined sugars; such as, phosphoric acid, sulphur dioxide, preservatives, or any flocculants, surfactants, bleaching agents, or viscosity modifiers), Non-GMO, and it retains most of the mineral content inherent prior to processing which allows it to be digested and recognized by the body as a food. It must be remembered that it is still sugar and intake should be regulated.

The Appetizer Diet Cookie provides psyllium, oat and guar gum fiber.

We are familiar with the impact that dietary fiber has on our overall good health; but we may not be aware of its importance to weight management.

Over the past two decades the studies relating the benefits of fiber as observed in target populations like primitive cultures and American Mormon and Seventh Day Adventist populations have been growing. These studies are establishing a relationship between the relative long lives and good health of these populations to their consumption of high fiber foods.* The importance of fiber is now being recognized, appreciated and taught worldwide.

Just what is fiber and why is it so significant to our health and weight management?

Fiber is not just one substance. It actually has "types" like soluble and insoluble, crude or dietary. It has even broader classifications such as cellulose, pectin, hemicellulose, lignin and gums. Denis Burkitt in his book, "Eat Right to Stay Healthy and Enjoy Life More”, defined fiber like this:

"Fiber is the part of food which is not digested. Whereas fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are almost entirely absorbed in the small intestine, fiber passes through to the large intestine virtually unchanged. Fiber does not provide energy or nutrients, or materials for growth or repair. It is the only component of food that contains almost no calories."

FIBER IS IMPORTANT FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS:

1. Prevention Magazines book, "The Fiber Revolution" pointed out that fiber:

Satisfies the appetite *
Impacts binge eating *
Impacts constipation *
Slows the digestion of food, so you are not hungry so soon *
Impacts normal cholesterol levels, fat storage, blood sugar
    levels and metabolism *

"Constipation is common among dieters because they are eating less food. Not only is constipation uncomfortable, but our weight-loss clinic at the New England Deaconess, we've found that less-constipated dieters have an easier time sticking to a weight loss regimen."*

2. Betty Kamen, PhD. points out even more in her book, "New Facts About Fiber":

Psyllium husk encourages good colonic microbial metabolism.*

Psyllium has the greatest bulking activity of the dietary fibers studied to date,
    making elimination smoother and more regular, and absorbing toxins
    on its journey...*

Psyllium is tolerated by children and adults.

Psyllium exerts beneficial force on your glycemic index--your body's response
    to foods with sugar.*

The result is progressive with each successive meal, and so accounts for
    the long-term beneficial consequences of the fiber supplement.*

One thing is certain: The higher the percentage of fiber in your diet,
    the lower the tape-measure reading around your waist.*

3. Other fiber benefits

Guar Gum impacts normal cholesterol levels, supports normal blood sugar levels
    and helps the obese with weight management; much the same as psyllium.

Other fiber research indicates that fiber may actually reduce the number of calories absorbed during the course of a day. Depending on the amount of fiber, it is estimated that between 30-180 calories per day may be blocked. Over the period of a year (if you are getting 15-30 grams of fiber a day), that could result in 3-18 pounds.

These choices offer all the benefits of fiber, which help you with your weight management program by:

- Helping you feel fuller longer *
- Helping you feel satisfied when eating less *
- Helping to reduce dieter binging *
- Helping you set, reach and maintain your weight management goals *

Oat bran is the edible, outermost layer of the oat kernel. Oats are both food and herb. Like whole oats, oat bran contains B complex vitamins, protein, fat, minerals and heart healthy soluble fiber.*

Both whole oats and oat bran, when eaten regularly, impact circulatory health.*

There are studies that show oats/oat bran impact blood sugar health, immune response and athletic performance.

Athletic Performance: Studies show that oats/oat bran favorably alter metabolism and enhance performance when ingested 45 minutes - 1 hour before prolonged endurance exercise( greater than 2 hours) of moderate intensity.* The FDA allows this claim for products containing at least .75grams of oat/oat bran fiber

The FDA also states the amount of fiber needed to impact cholesterol was about 3 grams per day. The Appetizer Diet Cookie contains 3.54 grams of whole oats and .82 grams of oat bran which is greater than the 3 grams stated by the FDA. **  You get all that from just one cookie!

The FDA claims: "Soluble fiber from foods such as oat bran, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.**

**Taken from "FDA TALK PAPER" T97-5 January 21,1997, "FDA ALLOWS WHOLE OAT FOODS TO MAKE HEALTH CLAIM ON REDUCING THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE"

Q: Why Choose Protein Snacks?
By David Heber, M.D., Ph.D.

It is well established that the typical person eating a western type diet consumes more daily calories than he needs. High calorie snacks filled with fats and sugars contribute to these extra calories. Protein packed bars, drinks, soups, and nuts are far superior to other snacks because of the inherent differences between protein and sugars and fats.

First off, protein is more satisfying than the other two macronutrients because of specific signals it sends to the brain. When we snack on protein instead of sugars and fats, the body feels more full which helps people control their appetite between meals, thus cutting calories and controlling their weight. Recent clinical research has supported this physiologic phenomenon.*

A second reason for choosing protein as a snack is its thermogenic effect. This refers to the metabolic tax a food puts on the body after we eat it. This metabolic tax for protein is much higher than sugar or fat because the body uses more energy to digest it. This means that when you choose protein over the other two, you are burning more calories during the process of digestion. Having this higher tax rate is good because protein tends to be low in caloric content, so the body is working harder on fewer calories.*

A third reason to choose protein snacks over sugars and fats is the body's need to replenish the building blocks of muscle tissue. Muscle is important for our daily activities and it determines our metabolism. So the more we maintain our healthy lean muscle mass, the higher we maintain metabolism.*

So the next time you reach for a snack, choose a protein rich bar, drink, or soup. Avoid high calorie chips, cookies, candies and sweets. They are generally much higher in calories, and they offer little nutritional value to the body.

Q: Why Has Soy Protein Received So Much Positive Press?
By Jana Mitcham

The Appetizer Diet Cookie is packed with Soy Protein. Here's why:

SOY IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR PROTEIN THAT CAN HELP YOU REACH & MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS: (Whey protein provides comparable benefits and that is why you'll find both soy and whey protein in the Appetizer Diet Cookie!)

- Impacts fat storage *
- Supports lean muscle mass *
- Supports metabolism *
- Helps you feel full *
- Helps you feel more energetic *

Recent research has focused on soy proteins impact on "fat storage" and lean muscle mass.

Proteins are "linked chains of amino acids" which are unique and have specific functions within the body. Dietary protein (soy protein) is broken down into its amino acid counterparts in the body and later reconstituted to perform a specific task. One of the critical tasks that amino acids perform is to assist the body with converting fat to muscle and energy! *

Soy protein is especially desirable because it is comprised of every "essential" amino acid. Soy protein has been widely used in the fitness world.

Research has focused on soy protein, which is rich in isoflavones and impacts fat storage and lean muscle mass support. Soy impacts insulin levels, which impact the storage of fat; thus soy may help the body store less fat! Add that to soy's ability to assist with lean muscle mass production, which helps burn fat and you have a powerful weight management tool. *

Other research points to soy's ability to assist your metabolic ability and make you feel fuller. *

The Appetizer Diet Cookie does not contain any wheat.  However, it is processed in a facility that also processes wheat -- a required disclosure -- and it is on the label.

The Appetizer Diet Cookie is 100% gluten-free.

"What is designer whey protein?"

Designer whey protein is a pure, natural, high quality protein from cow's milk. It is a rich source of the essential amino acids needed on a daily basis by the body. Vitamark uses a premium whey protein concentrate called a "Milk Version" because it is made from only the milk portion from light white cheeses. This makes it comparable to the purest form of whey protein, the isolate, in the fact that it is lower in fat, lactose (less than 10%) and cholesterol than most whey protein concentrates. That's right -- 98% lactose free protein!

But, unlike the whey protein isolates which are sometimes denatured and bleached due to the source of the milk and high temperatures used in processing. Our whey protein concentrate insures its quality with 3-step ultra filtration and low heat processing techniques.

Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for anyone of any age. And that, it offers many benefits in areas including weight management, overall good health, bone health, immune health, and physical activity/sports nutrition.* New information on the health benefits of whey protein constantly becomes available as researchers discover new application for it.

Q: Can I Get A Smaller Waist Size Just By Eating A Whey Protein Supplement? YES!

U.S. Department of Agriculture Study says IT'S TRUE!

	U.S. Dept of Agriculture Study shows consumers of Whey Supplement (like those found in the Appetizer Diet Cookie) had smaller waist sizes! An important study has recently been completed by researchers from the US Dept of Agriculture on the impact on weight, body fat and waist size that came from eating either a soy protein, whey protein or a carbohydrate supplement as part of a control group for a period of 6 months. And what they reported was that those who consumed whey protein weighed less and had less body fat than those who ate a carbohydrate supplement (soy was same as whey--good news for users of Vitamark's Appetizer Diet Cookie). But, here's the kicker--those who ate the whey supplement had a smaller waist size than either other group.** ** Baer DJ, et al, "Whey protein decreases body weight and fat in supplemented overweight and obese adults." EB 2006: Advancing the Biomedical Frontier, San Francisco, CA, April 2, 2006.

Now, for most of you, that's all you need hear. Smaller Waist Size! Count me in!!

But wait! You'll want to know more about the incredible whey protein because of all it does for you--granted that smaller waist is up near the top of my list, too!

Like we said before, whey protein is a good choice of protein for anyone. It provides the "essential amino acids" which are the building blocks for healthy skin, nails. muscles and other body tissues.*

Q: How can whey protein impact everyday areas of your life and health?

Let's break it down to areas such as: Physical Activities, Weight Management, Circulatory Health, Impact of Whey Protein on the Nutritional Needs of Immune and Blood Sugar Health and The Aging Processes.*

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Whether you are a serious athlete or a weekend warrior you still want the best and whey protein has long been considered the "Gold standard" for athletes who want to build and sustain a lean, strong, well-defined muscular foundation.* What makes this so?

* Whey protein is a "complete" protein containing all of the essential amino acids required in the daily diet.

* Whey protein is exceptionally rich in the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). In fact whey protein is the food source with the highest known levels.* BCAAs are metabolized directly into the muscle tissue and the first amino acids used by the body during times of resistance and exercise training. The BCAAs, provided by the whey protein, help the body replenish levels to repair and rebuild lean muscle mass.*

* Whey protein is a good source of leucine, an essential amino acid that promotes muscle growth and muscle protein synthesis.* Science has shown that people who exercise profit from a diet high in leucine and have less body fat when compared to those who get lower levels of leucine.

* Whey protein is often called "the fast protein" because it seems to provide nourishment quickly to the muscles.*

* Active people recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system. And, whey protein is important in its ability to help the body increase levels of glutathione, an antioxidant important to the immune system and which may be depleted by exercise and resistance training.*

Whey protein is really an active person's dream; but like the study referenced earlier about "getting a smaller waist size by just eating a whey protein supplement," you might want to know if there are other weight management benefits?

IMPACT ON WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: We all know that diet plays an important part in your weight management program; and, adding whey protein can make a difference--a positive difference. Why, you may ask?

* We discussed the importance of leucine to maintaining lean muscle mass; well Dr. Donald Layman, University of Illinois professor, has pointed out that leucine improves body composition.* Whey protein contains more leucine than milk, egg or soy protein. This high quality, leucine rich whey protein may help preserve lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss.*

*Since the body uses more energy when digesting protein than other foods, you may burn more calories after consuming protein. This is called the "thermic effect."*

*Because of proteins impact on blood sugar, you may experience reduced hunger.*

*Due to certain bioactive components, whey protein encourages the release of two appetite-suppressing hormones; cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1).* There has been a recent study which indicates that whey protein impacts satiety more than casein, the other milk protein; and, as such that by adding whey protein as a mid-day snack or drink you may help control food intake at the next meal.* This supports the suggestion of taking an Appetizer Diet Cookie 15-45 minutes before a meal.*

I'm sure you can certainly see why whey protein is included in the Appetizer Diet Cookies!

IMPACT ON THE "AGING PROCESS":

* We are all acutely aware of the loss of muscle mass as we age and the negative impact this can have on our health. So, no wonder, with the impact of a good quality protein like whey protein on the maintenance of strong muscles during the aging process, it is recommended as a dietary product.* It is especially effective when combined with exercise.

* A recent study at Boston University pointed out another benefit of whey protein: it showed that elderly people who consumed low levels of protein had a significant loss of bone density.* Perhaps had their diet included whey protein they may have kept their bones healthy and strong.*

 

WHEY PROTEIN IMPACT ON WOUND HEALING:

* Another well documented use for quality protein is in use with wound healing.* Protein and its amino acids are the building blocks that start the growth of new skin during the healing process.* The exceptional high quality of whey protein should make it a top choice following surgery or burn therapy!*A recent study at