Sad Comments on Standard American Diet

doughnuts In no period of our history has America been so concerned about the subject of diets, as what and how much we eat directly determines our weight and health. Another observation of our modern dietary habits is that in no period of our history have we eaten so poorly, and never before have the Americans been as obese and unhealthy as we are now…

Embarking on a healthy eating regime can be extremely beneficial for both our weight and overall well-being, but first we have to figure out what is good to eat and which diets really work as opposed to unhealthy and excessive food consumption. Most people simply do not think about such matters and eat what their friends or family members do without considering if it is good for them or not. Therefore, as you bite into your favourite blueberry pie or stop at McDonald’s for a juicy burger, have a closer look at the Standard American Diet, or, by its acronym, SAD.

Most people start their day with a plate of processed cereals and skim milk, a muffin, coffee, and orange juice. Our brunch is usually a doughnut and another cup of coffee. At lunch we treat ourselves to a chicken sandwich, fries and some Coke. Mid-afternoon is time for a Mars or Snickers bar from a nearby vending machine. For dinner we eat some meat with potatoes, a roll with margarine, and, of course, ice cream! By and large, such food choices are typical for most of the Americans, and, unfortunately, this diet is even considered balanced and nutritious by current American standards, and the majority of the listed products are pronounced good for health… Why, then, are we as a nation so overweight and sick?

The reason is that the Standard American Diet is absolutely inadequate if you want to achieve robust health through nutrition - you do not get enough of essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, proteins, and other valuable nutrients. In addition, this diet supplies you with about 400 -500 grams of carbohydrates daily - the amount which 4-5 times exceeds your body needs for fuel. Unclaimed glucose is converted into adipose cells - in other words, that undesirable fat which readily accumulates on your tummy, buttocks, and other body parts. Excessive weight coupled with a lack of essential nutrients slowly destroys your vitality, disrupts metabolism, and paves the road for a whole host of widely spread degenerative illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Anybody who moves away from this sort of diet will become healthier and lose weight. No matter what dietary regime you choose - vegetarian, raw-food, non-gluten, South Beach, Atkinsâ€™s, etc. - you will benefit and shed off some pounds if you previously ate the Standard American Diet.

Lada Brown