July 17, 2005

By: Maxwell Stone
Website: http://www.1st-in-fitness.com

Low-fat, high-protein dairy or soy beverage offers benefits for weight lifters

Lifeway Foods, Inc. announced today that its kefir, a yogurt-like beverage similar to a milkshake or smoothie, has been named to a list of 11 “muscle snacks” in the December issue of Men’s Fitness magazine. The publication recommended Lifeway’s product and 10 other “on-the-go foods for iron-pushing guys” for their ability to provide low-fat, high-protein fuel during periods of muscle training.

The magazine cited Lifeway’s kefir for supplying 14 grams of protein in an 8-ounce serving containing 110 calories, 2.5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of saturated fat. The kefir’s protein content was the third highest on the magazine’s snack list and 2 grams more than that provided by an 8-ounce glass of low-fat milk.

In a reference to the numerous active cultures in Lifeway’s kefir, the story also noted that the natural ingredients in Lifeway’s product “protect the stomach lining from toxins and irritants such as those found in plates of buffalo wings and six-packs of beer.”

“Snack foods generally present you with three options: sugar, fat or a combination of both. During periods of intense training, however, what your body really needs is protein,” the magazine noted. The foods recommended in the story “will deliver a constant flow of nutrients essential for continued growth between workouts and keep your metabolism amped so you stay lean and alert throughout the day.”

Ivan Zwick, a 62-year-old weight lifter from Marion, Illinois, has seen the benefits of protein snacks firsthand. Zwick has been a regular kefir drinker for three years and now holds the world record of the International Power Lifting Federation in the single lift bench press in the 148-pound class ages 60 and over. He set the record in September with a 281-pound press at the USAPL National Bench Championships in Cleveland.

“I’ve been drinking a glass of Lifeway kefir every day, and I’ve seen an improvement in my lifting,” Zwick said. “I think I owe at least part of the credit to the kefir.”

Lifeway is a manufacturer of cultured, probiotic and functional food products and is America's leading supplier of the cultured dairy product known as kefir. The Company markets 12 flavors of kefir and does a successful business exporting its products to Eastern Europe and Canada. The Company continues to market a dairy based immune-supporting dietary supplement beverage called Basics Plus, as well as Kefir Starter for consumers to make kefir at home or in travel. With the recent introduction of America’s first non-dairy soy kefir called SoyTreat, as well as Lifeway Organic the Company is entered into the organic and soy milk market.

Author Notes:

Maxwell Stone contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-fitness.com.  A source of information and helpful tips on various types of fitness equipment.