Despite the advances in medicine and technology, more people are suffering from health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Why is it that more people are getting sick, even though we have information about the things that are needed to promote better health?
The answer is found in the types of food that are common in the Standard American Diet. Over the years, the modern diet has drastically changed, and as a result many people are suffering in their overall health and wellness.
What is the Standard American Diet?
The Standard American Diet, sometimes referred to as “SAD,” is the common way that many people eat. These dietary choices often include fast food, processed foods, and other unhealthy ingredients. People have drifted from the natural way of eating, and often consume unnatural options instead.
In addition to the changing ingredients, the portion sizes have also increased at the same time. Most restaurants serve meals that are four times bigger than meals that were served in the 1950’s. As a result of these unhealthy dietary choices, it is estimated that people are now an average of 26 pounds heavier than the average population in the 1950’s.
Confusing Marketing Messages
It can be confusing to go to the grocery store if you don’t know much about nutrition, because many of the product labels make claims that are more about marketing than they are about health. A large number of processed foods are marketed as healthy, but these products have been depleted of the essential vitamins and minerals that are needed for optimal health.
When a person chooses to eat these processed foods, they are consuming empty calories, which results in nutritional deficiencies. Despite the high calorie consumption of many Americans, it is common for these overweight individuals to be nutrient deficient in the important vitamins and minerals that are needed to prevent chronic disease. Common nutrient deficiencies include vitamins B12, C, D as well as iodine, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Getting Back to the Basics
Instead of getting sucked into the confusing marketing messages at the grocery store, it is better to focus on natural ingredients instead. Did you know that the greatest source of vitamins can be found in fruits, and vegetables provide the best source of minerals? A diet high in fruits and vegetables is a great way to get the nutrition that is needed, as well as enzymes that are beneficial for digestion.
Are you ready to prepare more nutrient dense foods and break the unhealthy habits surrounding the Standard American Diet? The easiest place to start is with
Unravel the Mystery Recipe Book, because you can find a variety of recipes that use healthy plant ingredients. Also, read
Unravel the Mystery, by Ann Malkmus, to learn more about the way your diet and nutrition can affect your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
