S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) & Fad Diets

Fatty, loaded with sugar and salt, unbalanced, processed and oversized. That’s what comes to mind when thinking of the Standard American Diet or S.A.D. 

What exactly is the Standard American Diet? It’s a modern way of eating, or overeating that is generally characterized by high intakes of red meat, processed meats like bacon and sausage, pre-packaged foods, butter, fried foods, high-fat dairy products, refined grains, potatoes, corn and high-sugar drinks. There is a minimal intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, and whole grains. 

It’s important to note that processed foods are more than just microwave meals and pre-made fast foods. It includes any food that has been altered in some way during preparation, such as canning, freezing, baking, drying and smoking. Not all processed foods are bad. However, most are to be avoided as they contain high levels of fat, sugar, salt and nitrates, which are harmful to your health.

S.A.D. Facts:

• 63% of America’s calories come from refined and processed foods such as fast food, soft drinks, packaged snacks like potato chips, packaged cereals, desserts, etc.
• 25% of America’s calories come from animal-based foods such as meats, dairy, eggs, fish and seafood.
• 12% of America’s calories come from plant-based foods, 6% of which come from french fries. That means only 6% of America’s calories are coming from health-promoting fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
• On average, Americans consume 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, more than double the recommended level and nearly 7 times what our bodies actually need. L
• The average American consumes 130 pounds of sugar per year. Consumption of hydrogenated oils and unhealthy fats is also skyrocketing.
• More than 1/3 of American adults are obese, 1 in 3 adults have “pre-diabetes” and nearly 30 million have diabetes. 1 in 4 of them don’t even know it.

It’s clear that priorities for food are simply way out of balance. Many Americans are choosing convenience over health, so it’s no wonder that the rate of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer continues to rise. It’s a S.A.D fact (pun intended)!

In addition, not only are most Americans hooked on highly processed, unhealthy refined foods

If you truly want to be healthy and maintain optimal weight, then it’s best to find balance in what you consume and in your daily eating habits. Every food choice is an opportunity to move toward greater health and wellness. Small shifts over the course of a meal, a day, a week and so forth can make a big difference.

Start slowly by incorporating a variety of whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. This allows you to increase your intake of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, helping to aid in digestion, improve energy, lose stubborn weight, strengthen your immune system, and lessen your risks for developing chronic diseases.

Stay tuned as we discuss more about whole foods in our next blog.

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