American Diet has come so far away from what is considered ideal, we consume high calorie, low nutrient foods that is essentially altering our genetics to trigger disease states. Below is what our diet today consists of:
Flour and cereal products 23%
Added fats 24%
Added sugars 17%
Meat/eggs/nuts 17%
Dairy 10%, Fruit 3%
Vegetables 5%
Courtesy of USDA/Economic REsearch Service updated March 15, 2008
45 % of meals aways from home, up from 39% in 1980 and 34% in 1970
34% of dinner entrees are homemade; Nearly 7% of those are sandwiches
25% of meals at home are frozen or prepared from a market or restaurant
Newsweek Feb 9, 2004
Total Diet Study found:
Over half of americans ate less than 80 % of the RDA for : Cal, Mag, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese
90% marginal in chromium
80% deficient in B6
20% women iron deficient
FDA/ Total Diet STudy 2005
This can lead to malnutrition even though we are more obese than ever before. Stages of nutritional depletion is as follows:
1. Tissue depletion without symptoms
2. Tissue depletion measurable through labs without symptoms
3. Physiological and pychological changes, malaise, fatigue, depression, mood swings, anxiety, nerves
4. Disease and medical intervention
Food can be inflammatory
26.5% of adults eat at fast food restaurants
Fast foods contributed more than 1/3 of total calorie intake
Lower levels of vitamin A, Carotenoids, vit C, calcium, magnesium, fruits and vegetables
Increased intake fo soft drinks
Bowman SA, Vinyard BT. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004; 23: 163-168
Refined foods=trigger immune cells
Dietary patterns high in refined starches, sugar, and saturated and trans fatty acids poor in natural antioxidants and fiber from whole foods plus poor omega 3 fatty acids may cause an activation of the innate immune system, most likely by an excessive production of inflammatory byproducts (proinflammatory cytokines) associated with a decreased production of protective immune response
Giugliano, D. et al., J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006:48(4):677-685
Foods can alter brain chemistry to alter moods
Food can be healing
Food is our information to the world around, it becomes a part of our being, ultimately altering our genetic disposition......
Rather than taking ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory drugs to further alter our natural biochemistry, try the Anti-inflammatory foods:
Garlic, cherries, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, fish, beans, nuts
Polyphenols reduce inflammation:
they are found in fruits and veggies, green tea, plant foods/ prevents cancer, degenerative diseases, and chronic and acute inflammation
You may never have to worry about pain again.
Remember, you are what you eat, everything you breathe and eat becomes a part of you, replenish your body and let it flourish by eating real foods.
Connie Jeon, is a graduate of Loma Linda University, and California State University, Long Beach. She holds a Doctoral Degree of Physical Therapy, a Masters Degree in Nutrition, and a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology. Professionally, she is a Polestar™ trained Pilates Instructor, a Registered/Licensed Dietitian certified in Adult Weight Management through the American Dietetic Association, is a Certified Health/Fitness Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine, and is trained in Yoga Therapy through Yoga Fit™ .