FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ is so much more than just a breakfast cereal as it nutritionally contains more nutrients than other cereals on the market. There is nothing to compare to FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ to in the sense that it delivers on all the following benefits:

• Providing a total of 45 nutrients, it is high in 13 Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, E, H and K) and 6 minerals (calcium, chromium, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc), and is formulated with 19 Amino Acids.
• It is high in protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, energy and omega-3 fatty acids
  • One serving (50g) of FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ would be the food equivalent of eating:
  • 1½ slices of whole wheat bread with
  • 1½ eggs with
  • 1 teaspoon low fat margarine and
  • ½ of all the vitamins and most minerals you need for the entire day with the added benefit of consuming 1 capsule of MODUCARE®, a daily immune supplement, made from a patented blend of natural plant sterols and sterolins
• It is low GI and contains Inulin, a soluble fibre with prebiotic properties, providing food for the good bacteria in your gut to ensure optimal digestion and immune support
• It is naturally free from wheat, lactose, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, and tree nuts. It is also free from gluten, tartrazine, preservatives and colourants

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ is scientifically formulated as an all-in-one product suitable for the whole family. As a price comparison, FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ is more comparable to nutritional supplements (that are usually sold in tins) than to other low nutrient cereals that are found in the cereal aisle.

At FUTURELIFE® we are passionate about sport and sports nutrition. For this reason, we have worked hard to develop products which aid in fulfilling pre-, during and post-exercise dietary requirements.

Pre-exercise

A pre-exercise meal is extremely important before training/competition. The ideal meal would be dense in low GI carbohydrates (providing a slow, sustained release of energy over a period of time), moderate in protein and low in fat. You require large amounts of carbohydrates to fuel your workout as well as make sure that your energy (glycogen) stores in your muscles are optimal.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ fits the profile of a pre-exercise meal perfectly. It is low GI, high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein and low in fat. The pre-exercise meal should be eaten 1 - 4 hours before exercise, depending on tolerance, time of race, personal preference, etc.

If the time between your pre-exercise meal and competition/training is too large, you may require a faster release carbohydrate snack to top off your energy stores within an hour of the workout. FUTURELIFE® High Energy Bars are perfect for this as they are high GI (providing fast-acting energy) and are well tolerated soon before exercise. Alternatively, you can try the FUTURELIFE® ENERGIZE® Drinking Meal which consists of both a nutrient dense food powder (60g) and purified water (200ml). A true innovation, our dual pouch technology keeps the purified water and ready food separate. By squeezing and popping the internal seal, the real food and water, mix to create an instant, nutrient dense and balanced meal that is easy to use and requires no preparation.

During exercise:

During exercise your largest priorities are hydration and carbohydrate replenishment, FUTURELIFE® High Energy Bars or FUTURELIFE® ENERGIZE® Drinking Meal assist with both tasks. Our bodies are only able to store limited amounts of carbohydrates, in the form of glycogen. When levels get too low, we begin to feel fatigued and lightheaded. We therefore need to refuel with 30 – 60 g of high GI carbohydrates per hour of exercise, however, this is usually only necessary when exercising for more than an hour.

A FUTURELIFE® High Energy Bar contains 19 – 21 g of carbohydrates (depending on the flavour), providing close to our hourly requirements in just one serving. FUTURELIFE® High Energy Bars also contain electrolytes which are required for proper uptake of fluids and thus optimal rehydration (plain water will not rehydrate you sufficiently without electrolytes). A FUTURELIFE® ENERGIZE® Drinking Meal contains 31 g of carbohydrates and is high in 19 vitamins and minerals.

Post-exercise:

Good recovery practices are essential for replenishing muscle glycogen stores, repairing any damage that occurred during the training/event and maintaining a strong immune system. Better recovery post-exercise will also lead to more effective building of lean body mass, which will increase your basal metabolism to burn more energy daily.

Carbohydrates and protein are required in sufficient amounts to recover effectively. Carbohydrates will replenish glycogen stores while protein repairs and builds muscle whilst preventing muscle breakdown. The two cannot be separated and it is crucial to obtain adequate amounts of both carbohydrates and protein, generally at a ratio of 3:1.

FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Shake, FUTURELIFE® High Protein Bars and FUTURELIFE® High Protein LITE Bars make great post-workout meals or snacks. They contain our SmartProtein3D, a blend of whey, soy and casein, which are fast, intermediate and slow release proteins, respectively. This blend is therefore able to provide amino acids (protein) for muscle repair and growth consistently over a longer period of time. They also contain carbohydrates for the assistance in glycogen replenishment.

The post-workout meal or snack should be consumed within 30 - 60 minutes after exercise to ensure optimal recovery. There are several High Energy smoothie recipes that can be used pre-exercise and High Protein smoothie recipes that can be used post-exercise in the recipe section of our website. LINK

Yes! You can order directly from us in our online store - just click on the SHOP OUR PRODUCTS menu at the top of the site.

FUTURELIFE® is available in our online store

The FUTURELIFE® product range can be made with boiling water; however, we do not recommend this due to the fact that it damages some of the vitamins in the product. If you would like to have your FUTURELIFE® product of choice warm, the recommendation is to add lukewarm water or milk.

FUTURELIFE® contains many vitamins and minerals and meets 100% of most of your daily micronutrient needs in 100 g of product. Some of these vitamins are sensitive to heat and will be damaged when exposed to boiling water. These heat-sensitive vitamins are: thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), folate and Vitamin C.

If you eat a balanced, varied diet and are not dependent on FUTURELIFE® alone to meet your micronutrient needs then you will get all the micro-and macronutrients you need to optimise all your bodily functions from your daily diet. The small amount of damage that is being done to the micronutrients in mixing FUTURELIFE® with boiling water will not be of such significance that it will negatively affect you, however our recommendation is that rather have it with cold or lukewarm water or milk.

FUTURELIFE® can be made with warm milk or water without any damage being done to the vitamins. The damage is only done if the liquid is >100 C°, which is at boiling point. A nice guide is nothing longer than 30 seconds on high in a microwave or let boiling water cool for 1 minute before adding into the product.

FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats® and Ancient Grains can be ready instantly by adding either boiling water or milk. Or they can also be cooked in the microwave or on the stove and are ready in just 3 minutes.

To best understand gout, we need to first look at purines. Purines are natural substances found in all cells of humans, animals and plants. Purines provide a part of the chemical structure of genes and this is why their occurrence is so widespread. When cells die and get recycled, the purines are broken down into uric acid. This is normal and serves as an antioxidant to help prevent damage to our blood vessels. However, excessive breakdown of cells can cause uric acid build up and when this happens uric acid crystals can become deposited in our joints, tendons, kidneys and other organs. This accumulation is called gout.

Since uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purines, low-purine diets are used to treat gout. Purines are found in animals and plants that we consume, but a relatively small amount of foods contain concentrated amounts of purines. For the most part, these high purine foods are also commonly high protein foods and should be avoided in the diet. Recent research has shown that the impact of plant purines is very different from the impact of animal purines in the risk of gout. It has been seen that purines from meat and fish clearly increase our risk of gout, while purines from vegetables fail to change our risk. Dairy foods actually appear to lower our risk of gout. Therefore, foods that should be limited include meat and fish; anchovies, sardines, organ meats, caviar, beef, pork and lamb meat. However, plant proteins and dairy are safe to consume and should be eaten regularly to meet protein requirements. Alcohol should also be excluded from the diet.

The 2 main ingredients in all FUTURELIFE® powdered range are SmartMaize® and Soy. Maize is part of the food group that is lowest in purines. These foods are recommended to be eaten daily. Soy is a plant protein and it contains a moderate amount of purines. It is recommended to take moderate amounts or 1 serving of soy daily (1 serving = ½ cup).

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ also contain MODUCARE®, an immune supplement, which will help to support the immune system, helping to reduce the number of gout flare ups, as well as the severity thereof.

Considering that maize has a low and soy a moderate purine content, it allows one to use all FUTURELIFE® products safely in moderation when suffering with gout. This is also true when mixed with dairy (milk) - take note that both FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ already contain skim milk powder.

Pregnancy creates an increased need for energy and certain nutrients, both macro- (protein, fat and carbohydrates) and micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) for various reasons that are all important for the growth of the baby and health of the mother. Although it is not quite necessary to ‘eat for two’, it is important to meet these increased nutritional requirements by enjoying a varied, balanced and healthy diet.

Our full FUTURELIFE® product range including FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Shake, FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® CRUNCH Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules and FUTURELIFE® Bars, FUTURELIFE® Crunch Bar, FUTURELIFE® Whole Grain Granola Bars and FUTURELIFE® High Protein Bread™ can be used as part of a healthy eating plan during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ are a complete meal providing the perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat. A balanced meal contains 45% – 60% Carbohydrates, 20% – 30% Protein and 20% – 30% Fat. This is the recommendation made by the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. In addition to this, a 100 g portion of these products contains 100% NRV’s (Nutrient Reference Values are a guide for what your intake should be daily) of all the vitamins and most minerals which your body requires as part of a healthy diet.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ are high in folic acid, also known as folate. Folic acid is one of the B vitamins which is essential for the normal development of a baby’s spine, brain and skull, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is important to take in enough folic acid before conception and during this first trimester to prevent neural tube defects.

Iron requirements increase during pregnancy due to the increase in a mother’s blood supply. FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ are high in iron as well as Vitamin C, which helps to increase the absorption of iron.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ are low GI (glycaemic index) which means that they are digested slowly to provide you with sustained energy throughout your day. This will help to eliminate energy slumps and sugar cravings. These products are therefore suitable for women with Gestational Diabetes, as they help to control one’s blood sugar levels by releasing sugar slowly into the blood stream.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ are high in fibre and contain prebiotics to help keep your digestive system healthy. FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules is also high in fibre and contains HOWARU® Premium Probiotic Capsules to assist with gut and immunity health. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy and it is important to get enough fibre as well as enough fluids.

Omega 3 is essential in the early development of learning and visual abilities and should be taken before and during pregnancy. FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ are high in Omega 3 as well as other essential fatty acids which play a critical role in the optimal growth of the placenta during the first trimester and in the development of the foetus in the second and third trimesters, particularly the brain and eyes.

Many pregnant women are concerned about the vitamin A content in FUTURELIFE® powdered range, however a 50 g (5 tablespoon) serving contains 450 ug Vitamin A. The daily recommended allowance for pregnant women is 775 ug which means that FUTURELIFE® powdered range is completely safe to consume whilst pregnant.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ are also:
- Wheat and gluten free as well as free of preservatives and colourants. All 3 products are low in salt to help control blood pressure
- Contain no artificial flavourants or preservatives and are therefore perfectly safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Due to the increase in folic acid and iron requirements before and during pregnancy and depending on how much of the FUTURELIFE® product you consume, you may need to take additional supplements

We recommend that you discuss your supplement choices and their amounts with a health professional.

Those living with heart disease can definitely benefit from using the FUTURELIFE® powdered range.

Although FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ is suitable for those with heart disease, the products that are best suited for heart disease/heart health are FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™.

FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ have various attributes making them beneficial to those with heart disease. They are fibre-rich and low in sodium, sugar and fat, particularly saturated fat. They are also cholesterol and trans-fat free.

Diets rich in fibre are associated with lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower rates of obesity and they also decrease the risk of developing heart disease. One should aim to consume at least 25 g of fibre per day. Kick starting your day with a high fibre meal will make this goal more attainable. FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ contains 12 g of fibre per 100 g and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ contains 7.3 g per 100 g.

Too much sodium causes your body to retain water and increases blood pressure. This in turn puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease and strokes. Those with heart disease should aim to consume no more than 2400 mg of sodium per day. FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ contain just 336 mg and 397 mg per 100 g respectively. A standard portion of 50 g would contribute half of this amount.

Saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol are considered to be the bad members of the ‘fat family’. Our powdered products are free from trans-fats and cholesterol and are low in saturated fat, with most of the total fat coming from the good, mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Eating good fats in place of saturated fat lowers the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and improves the ratio of total cholesterol to ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease.

Sugar provides empty calories and contributes towards inflammation and weight gain, when taken in excess. It can therefore increase your chances of heart disease or worsen existing heart disease.

FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ has no added cane sugar, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ has just under one and a half teaspoons of sugar per 50 g serving (7.3 g), and both are low GI. You can therefore eat both with peace of mind that you are not doing any harm.

All FUTURELIFE® powdered products predominantly consist of soy protein, and according to many studies soy protein has been associated with reductions in LDL cholesterol. Soy is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as lecithin, both of which have shown heart benefits.

FUTURELIFE® powdered products also contains 100% of your daily requirements for all vitamins and most minerals in 100 g. Several vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, thiamine and vitamin D are essential for proper management and treatment of heart disease.

Apart from our powdered range, FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules is also a suitable option as it is high in fibre (21.9 g per 100 g), free from trans fats, cholesterol and low in saturated fat (0.5 g per 100 g). It contains slightly over 1 teaspoon of sugar per 45 g serving (6 g) and is a source of protein. It is also high in 12 vitamins and contains 4 minerals

To conclude, FUTURELIFE® powdered range as well as FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules can be used and play a part in the treatment and prevention of heart disease. FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ can be used one or more times daily as a meal replacement or snack.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease which is spread from inhaling organisms dispersed as droplets from the sputum of infected persons. Persons with TB generally have signs and symptoms such as undernutrition, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. All of which has nutritional relevance and increase risk of malnutrition.

As a chronic infection, persons with TB require higher energy, protein and fluid intakes. A balanced diet with the addition of high energy, high protein supplements will generally meet most people’s energy and protein requirements. To get an idea of what a balanced diet looks like, one can have a look at the South African Food-based Dietary Guidelines (SAFBDG).

In terms of a high energy, high protein supplement, see below for how FUTURELIFE® can assist.

The South African Food-based Dietary Guidelines (SAFBDG) explain how to have a balanced diet:

Enjoy a variety of foods:
All foods contain different nutrients so make sure you include as many types as possible. Try different coloured fruits and vegetables in your diet to ensure you vitamin and mineral needs are met because different colours give different nutrients.

Be active:
Being active helps to stabilise blood sugar levels, lowers high blood pressure and also releases endorphins which make you feel happy.

Make starchy food the basis of most meals:
Choose starches that are whole-grain, high fibre and low GI which keeps you fuller for longer and gives you energy for longer.

Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits everyday:
It is recommended to eat 5 fruits and vegetable portions a day.

Eat dry beans, peas, lentils and soy regularly:
These are great sources of protein and are low in fat. Chicken, fish, milk, meat or eggs can be eaten daily. These are the best sources of protein, but you should always choose low fat/lean options. Try to eat fish 2 - 3 times a week and about 2 - 3 glasses milk/amazi/yogurt a day.

Eat fats sparingly:
Make sure your animal foods are low fat (cut fat off meat, take skin off chicken, fat-free/low fat milk, and avoid frying food). Try to eat foods rich in good fats beans, peas, lentils, avocado, olive/canola oil, nuts and seeds.

Use salt (sodium) sparingly:
Avoid adding salt to your dishes as well as eating salty foods such as packet soups and sauces, stock cubes, tinned foods, sausages, polony, viennas and chips.

Drink lots of clean safe water:
Drink 6 - 8 glasses per day. If vomiting or diarrhoea, drink to replace what you have lost.

Use foods and drinks containing sugar sparingly:
They fill you up even though they are nutrient poor and excess sugar will cause weight gain and possible tooth decay.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ are both high in energy and protein containing 1492 KJ, 18 g protein and 1410 KJ, 30 g protein per 100 g, respectively. Not only are they energy and protein-dense but also low GI and contain 25 vitamins and minerals, 19 amino acids, omega 3 fat, MODUCARE® (daily immune supplement in FUTURELIFE® Smart food™), inulin (prebiotic) and lecithin.

The medication used to treat TB, Isoniazid, depletes your body’s vitamin B6 stores and it interferes with vitamin D metabolism which in turn can decrease absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Individuals with TB therefore require an increased vitamin intake, especially B6 and D, and mineral intake from food and supplements. FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals where in every 100 g (2 servings) you get 100% of all the vitamins and most of the minerals that a healthy individual needs per day. FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ also contain the specific vitamins and minerals that are of importance in TB:

Vitamin B6 – 1.7 mg
Vitamin D – 15 µg
Calcium – 520 mg
Phosphorus – 247 mg

The medication for TB treatment has several side effects including nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or even diarrhoea. The role that FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ could play in coping with each of these symptoms is explained:

Nausea and vomiting:
Easy to consume as a shake which is often better tolerated.
Incidence of vomiting is lower when food and drink is consumed in small volumes. Therefore, made into a shake it can be sipped on throughout the day and in-between meals.

Decreased appetite:
Easy to consume.
Nutrient-dense so smaller amount can be consumed more frequently throughout the day instead of one big meal at a time.
The powder can be added to other foods to fortify and increase nutrient value.

Diarrhoea:
Lactose free.
Studies show an increase in albumin which helps to reduce GIT inflammation.
Contains a prebiotic and a dietary fibre blend that includes soluble fibre which helps to improve diarrhoea.
Contains electrolytes and mixed with water/milk aid in rehydration.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ can be enjoyed as a meal, shake or smoothie and it requires no cooking or preparation. The versatility, convenience and nutritional value of these products makes them a suitable and affordable meal or supplement that can be consumed by individuals with TB.

FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Shake, FUTURELIFE® ENERGIZE® Drinking Meal and FUTURELIFE® Bars are also great supplement options to increase energy, protein and micronutrient intake. FUTURELIFE® Bars include FUTURELIFE® High Energy Bar, FUTURELIFE® High Protein Bar and FUTURELIFE® High Protein LITE Bar in a variety of flavours.

To answer your question, it is important to know that weight loss can only be achieved by living and practicing a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t only include diet but also includes physical, mental and emotional health. It is important for this healthy way of life to become part of your everyday practice and to set goals that are both achievable and sustainable.

FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ is the first and only scientifically formulated Low GI food to contain no added cane sugar, only 1.5 g of fat per serving, combine 19 Vitamins and Minerals, 19 Amino Acids, Inulin (prebiotic), Selenium and MODUCARE®. It is also part of the Discovery Vitality Healthy Food benefits program.

We recommend FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ as one of the choices for your weight loss meal plan. The reason for this is because per 100 g it has 7.5% less kilojoules, 64% less fat and 56% less sugar than our FUTURELIFE® Smart food™. We recommend a portion serving size of 40 g (4 heaped tablespoons) of FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ mixed with water (or skimmed milk) which provides 552kJ, 7.2 g of protein and only 1.5 g of fat. A recommended portion of FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ contributes only 8.5% to your total daily kilojoule requirements if on a 6500KJ weight loss eating plan. The average female requires around 8400KJ per day.

Key features of FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ include:

• Providing a total of 42 nutrients, it is high in 13 Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, E, H and K), 5 minerals (chromium, iodine, iron, selenium and zinc), a source of copper and formulated with 19 amino acids
• It is also high in protein and a source of Omega-3 fatty acids
• It’s high in dietary fibre and has been scientifically formulated with a unique blend of soluble and insoluble fibre. These include maize, acacia fibre, inulin (prebiotic), soy and rice to assist in optimum gut health
• It has a low Glycaemic Index (GI), releasing sustained energy over a longer period of time, keeping you fuller for longer and assisting in blood glucose management. It is therefore suitable for Diabetics
• It is formulated with MODUCARE®, a daily immune supplement, made from a patented blend of natural plant sterols and sterolins, in a clinically proven ratio of 100:1. MODUCARE® is supplied exclusively to FUTURELIFE® under license from Aspen Pharmacare
• It has ZERO added cane sugar, and in turn has been formulated with Smart Sweetness™, an effective combination of Stevia (a naturally occurring sweetener 300 times the sweetness of sugar), zero calorie Erythritol and Sucralose
• It is free from most common occurring allergens, preservatives, colourants, trans fatty acids and cholesterol

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ can also be used as part of a weight-loss eating plan however we recommend FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ as the most suitable options. If using FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ we recommend a serving size of 40 – 50 g (4 - 5 tablespoons) mixed with water or skimmed milk.

Many people have used FUTURELIFE® for weight loss purposes and if you would like to read articles or see an array of eating plans as a guideline, these are available in our Smart Centre.

To answer your question, it is important to know that to achieve healthy and sustained weight loss it can only be done by living and practicing a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t only include diet but also includes physical, mental and emotional health. It is important for this healthy way of life to become part of your everyday practice and to set goals that are both achievable and sustainable.

FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ is the first and only scientifically formulated, Low GI food to combine 23 Vitamins and Minerals, 19 Amino Acids, SmartProtein3D , Omega-3, Inulin (prebiotic), Selenium and SUPRO® Soy Protein Isolate. FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ is the meal choice for athletes at the High Performance Centre (HPC) at the University of Pretoria, is endorsed by Informed-Choice and is part of the Discovery Vitality Healthy Food benefits program

FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ is an excellent choice to include in a weight-loss meal plan and is preferred over FUTURELIFE® Smart food™. The reason for this is because when compared, it has a lower fat, sugar, carbohydrate and overall energy contribution. We recommend a portion size of 50 g (5 heaped tablespoons) of FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ mixed with water which provides 705 kJ, 15 g of protein and 2.6 g of fat. You can also mix it with skimmed milk.

Key features of FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ include:

• Providing a total of 47 nutrients, it is high in 13 Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, E, H and K), contains 10 minerals (calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, selenium and zinc) and is formulated with 19 amino acids
• It is High in Protein, formulated with SmartProtein3D®, a scientific blend of 3 protein sources (Whey, Caseinate, Soy Protein) for a more balanced amino acid profile than a single protein source.
• FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ has been formulated with SUPRO®, a Soy Protein Isolate. Sourced from soybeans, the protein is ‘isolated’ from the rest of the soybean components, making it 90 - 95% protein. Containing all the essential amino acids, it is equal in quality to animal protein, contains no cholesterol, and is almost fat free. SUPRO® is beneficially added into our unique SmartProtein3D blend and is a registered trademark of DuPont or its affiliates
• It is high in dietary fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids
• Contains Inulin, a soluble fibre with prebiotic properties, providing food for the good bacteria in your gut to ensure optimal digestion and immune support Contains Inulin, a soluble fibre with prebiotic properties, providing food for the good bacteria in your gut to ensure optimal digestion and immune support
• It has a low Glycaemic Index (GI), releasing sustained energy over a longer period of time, keeping you fuller for longer and assisting in blood glucose management. It is therefore suitable for Diabetics
• It has been endorsed by Informed-Choice, a quality assurance program which provides confidence to sports people that the products they support have been clinically tested for banned substances. For more information go to www.informed-choice.org
• It is free from most common occurring allergies, preservatives, colourants, trans fatty acids and cholesterol
• It can be enjoyed as breakfast, lunch or dinner, as a meal replacement shake, or as in-between snack

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ may indeed also be used as part of a weight-loss eating plan however we recommend FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ or FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ as a more suitable option. If using FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, we recommend a serving size of 40 – 50 g (4 - 5 tablespoons) mixed with water or skimmed milk.

Many people have used FUTURELIFE® for weight loss purposes and if you would like to read their testimonials, articles or see an array of eating plans as a guideline these are available on our website.

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ = Low

FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ = Low

FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ = Low

FUTURELIFE® CRUNCH Smart food™ = Intermediate

FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats® = Intermediate

FUTURELIFE® High Protein Bar = Low

FUTURELIFE® High Protein LITE Bar = Low

FUTURELIFE® High Energy Bar = High

FUTURELIFE® High Protein Bread = Low

The following products are Low GI and suitable for Diabetics:

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™

FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™

FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™

FUTURELIFE® High Protein Bar

FUTURELIFE® High Protein LITE Bar

Bran flakes are also usually recommended as part of a diabetic diet due to their high fibre content. FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules mixed with milk or yoghurt may also fit as part of a balanced diabetic diet as the product is high in fibre, a source of protein and low in saturated fat. Speak to your healthcare professional should you be unsure if the product is suitable for you.

No, the FUTURELIFE® powdered product range does not contain any preservatives, artificial colourants or artificial flavourants.

Preserving the product:

To extend the shelf life of the products, FUTURELIFE® is using the most up to date food technology to keep our product fresher for longer. FUTURELIFE® powdered product range undergoes a process called Nitrogen Flushing, whereby one is replacing oxygen in the foil packaging with Nitrogen. Nitrogen being an unreactive gas retards bacterial growth and keeps the food from decaying, thus increasing shelf life and ensuring product integrity. FUTURELIFE® products have a shelf life of 9 months, unopened and the best before dates are indicated on the packaging. When the product is opened it should be consumed within 4 weeks and is best kept in an airtight container.

Colourants of the powdered product range:

There are no artificial colourants used in the FUTURELIFE® powdered product range. The Original and Banana flavours take on the colour of the raw ingredients. The Chocolate flavour’s brown colour comes from 100% cocoa powder and we use beetroot extract to give the Strawberry flavour a slightly pink colour.

Flavourants of the powdered product range:

The Original flavour and Chocolate flavour variants contain natural flavourants namely vanilla and cocoa. The Banana, Strawberry, Apple berry, honey, and Berry (FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats®) flavours are nature identical flavourings.

It is important to note that there is a difference between nature identical and artificial flavourants. The best choice is to use the nature identical flavourants in products. The main difference is that the nature identical flavourings are produced in a laboratory, but the molecular structure is identical to the structure of that same flavour in nature. Artificial flavourants on the other hand are also produced in a laboratory, but their molecular structure looks completely different to the molecular structure of the same flavour in nature.

Although FUTURELIFE® is often compared to many other products that are marketed as meal replacements, we believe that our products are unique and offer incomparable functional benefits. Based on this, we prefer not to comment on these other products. However, we can assure you that FUTURELIFE® can provide you with all you need and more to complement a healthy lifestyle.

What we pride ourselves on is the use of quality ingredients to produce a unique product that works as a functional food. Our powdered product range is high in energy, high in protein and provides for balanced meals that can be used as meal replacements in the form of a meal, shake or smoothie for the whole family (whether it be your 4-year-old child or her 85-year-old diabetic grandfather). These products are also naturally gluten and wheat free. We use no artificial colourants or artificial flavourants; they are also low GI (FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™), therefore suitable for Diabetics in controlled portions and can therefore provide you with sustained energy and can aid in weight management.

These products are also dense in Vitamins and Minerals, 19 Amino Acids and are high in Omega-3 fatty acids as well as Fibre. Most of our product range also boasts MODUCARE®, given to us under the license of ASPEN PHARMACARE for immune support. We have had numerous studies done with our FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, showing improved immunity, increased productivity and good glycaemic control, and our products are manufactured with the utmost care based on scientifically sound evidence.

Please take note that we also have a team of 5 dieticians that help ensure that our products, as well as our health messages represent the best possible nutrition for the whole family.

We're afraid that one must be a bit of a chemist to follow these things.

Firstly, Proteins are a polymer of amino acids, so they have both basic and acidic characteristics. I would presume you know that if you treat an acid with a base the result is salt and water.

Casein is the major protein of milk which can be separated by the addition of acid which causes curdling as in cheese manufacture. Naturally casein is largely in the calcium salt form, but other cations can be displaced by adding lime water (calcium hydroxide) to give a largely pure calcium caseinate.

Similarly, if one treats milk casein with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) cations other than sodium are displaced and one is left with sodium caseinate.

Glutamic acid is a natural dibasic amino acid and a component of most proteins. If you half neutralize glutamic acid with caustic soda you get monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate in the stomach would revert to glutamic acid and sodium chloride but in the mouth, it enhances the umami flavour / taste of meat. Of course, in protein the presence of the second acid group of glutamic acid contributes to the acid characteristics of the protein.

Finally, although glutamic acid is a component of casein protein there is no way that caseinate or any other protein can be considered a hidden or alternative name for MSG just as water cannot be used as an alternative name for hydrogen.

Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergies may sound/seem like the same thing and can often be confused. However, lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergies are two very different conditions.

1. Lactose intolerance occurs in our digestive system and is the inability of the body to break down lactose (our body does not have enough of the lactase enzyme that breaks down the lactose), a sugar found in food items like milk. This might cause some discomfort and can result in gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, and abdominal pain. It is important to note that Lactose intolerance symptoms are only gastrointestinal. Lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system and often a small amount of lactose can be tolerated.
2. Cow’s milk allergy is an immune response to the protein found in milk and therefore involves the immune system. This is a more serious condition. Even though some of the symptoms could be like that of lactose intolerance (gastrointestinal like vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, and abdominal pain), they can also include more severe symptoms like trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling of the tongue and throat and even loss of consciousness (respiratory symptoms) or flushing, a rash, hives, or a runny nose (skin reactions). Unlike lactose intolerance, a small amount of cow’s milk protein could cause an allergic reaction.

Lactose intolerance is a common occurrence and generally symptoms subside. It is important to consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms mentioned under cow’s milk allergies.

FUTURELIFE® Products that are suitable for cow’s milk allergies and lactose intolerance:

*naturally free from lactose

Note: this table was developed using only the individual product and is not relevant if other ingredients/ products are added to the FUTURELIFE®. Example if you add cow’s milk or yoghurt to the FUTURELIFE® Smart food™, the meal now contains lactose from the cow’s milk/yoghurt.

I’m sure we can all agree that sugar is tasty and many individuals whether they like to admit it or not know that it improves the palatability of a food. While FUTURELIFE® does not promote the intake of uncontrolled amounts of sugar (as there is a Global shift towards reducing calorie intake due to the rise of the Obesity epidemic, however take note that all foods provide calories, not just sugar), we do understand that if our products are too ‘bland’ the average consumer would then add sugar, which could result in much larger uncontrolled amounts than what our products contain. Other products might contain less sugar, but most consumers would then add sugar to these products that can result in a much higher sugar intake than in a controlled sugar intake in a serving of FUTURELIFE® products. FUTURELIFE® products are manufactured to be complete foods that are ready to eat (nothing needs to be added except for fluid), take note though that many of our products contain sugars that are naturally found in our ingredients i.e. Lactose from milk and some sucrose from our raw materials and in the case of our FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ and FUTURELIFE® ZERO WITH OATS, no cane sugar has been added. Having said that, we do offer a range of products that contain different amounts of sugar to cater for your preferences.

Products and sugar content per serving (excluding bars):
Amount of sugar (all forms of sugar, natural (incl. Lactose) and added)

(1 teaspoon sugar = 5 g)
50g FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ 7.9g
50g FUTURELIFE® HIGH PROTEIN Smart food™ 7.3-7.8g
40g FUTURELIFE® ZERO Smart food™ 2.8g
40g FUTURELIFE® CRUNCH Smart food™ 8.0-8.4g
50g FUTURELIFE® Smart Oats® 7.6-7.7g
45g FUTURELIFE® Bran Flakes and Barley with Probiotic Capsules 6.0g

Helping you make healthier choices daily is at the very heart of the FUTURELIFE® promise. That’s why our products are formulated in such a way that eliminates the need, or temptation for consuming excess refined sugars. While you may find traces of natural sugars in our products, we want to assure you that they’re formulated in a unique way which combines the right balance of carbohydrates, fibre, fats and proteins, for the body to efficiently use as a form of energy. Say farewell to nasty sugar spikes and inconvenient dips in your energy levels - FUTURELIFE® has you covered and we think that’s pretty sweet!

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ contains only 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar per recommended serving size and with the ‘Smartness’ of its low GI formulation, it provides a gradual rise in blood sugar levels and sustained energy. Now that’s SMART!

Our commitment to you through the responsible use of sugar

1. We are committed to using sugar responsibly in our product ranges:
   • Responsible consideration of added sugar in products that would not contribute excessively to daily allowance
   • Include added sugar in appropriate levels that will ensure an acceptable sweet taste for the consumer, resulting in the consumer not adding additional sugar to the product at the point of home preparation
   • Declare accurate Total Sugar and Added Sugar content (sucrose) in Nutritional Table on the packaging
   • Educate the consumer on:
     • Portion Control
     • Healthy eating guidelines
2. Producing products with no added cane sugar:
   • FUTURELIFE® Zero Smart food™
   • FUTURELIFE® Zero WITH Oats

The World Health Organization recommendation:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reduced intake of added sugars throughout one’s life. In both adults and children, the WHO recommends reducing the intake of added sugars to less than 10% of the total daily energy intake. (This is a strong recommendation). This equates to no more than 50g of added (or ‘free’) sugars which equates to 12.5 teaspoons per day.

But what is free or added sugar?

• Free sugars are monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods and beverages by the manufacturer, cook or consumer.

And other sugars?

These are sugars naturally present in food/drink:

• Intrinsic sugars – intact fruit and vegetables
• Milk sugars – lactose and galactose
• Natural sugars – present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates

Sugar listed in a nutrient table on packaging

The ‘sugar’ listed on a packaging label is typically the Total Sugar present in the product, therefore: Naturally present sugars + added (free) sugars = Total Sugar

Where does FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ fit into these recommendations?

FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ provides 15.8 g of Total Sugar per 100 g and only 7.9 g per serving.

Why do some FUTURELIFE products contain sugar?

At FUTURELIFE®, we believe in making it as easy as possible to make healthy food choices and have formulated our products in such a way that the sugar is already included into the recipe at appropriate levels (thus eliminating the need or temptation to add additional teaspoons of sugar during eating, which is often the case with many other products). Perhaps more importantly than the sugar alone in our products, is the way our formulation uniquely combines carbohydrates (including sugar), fibre, fats and protein ensuring that the energy consumed from our meals is released slowly into the body, thus reducing sugar spikes.