Americans are eating too much of everything—
1. Too much sugar
2. Too many refined foods
3. Too much salt
4. Too much fat
5. Too much animal protein
6. Too many of the high calorie beverages
7. Too many snacks.
It's a deadly mix: needless chronic disease, disability and premature death. Only by eating less of these substances and eating more whole plant foods can we enjoy optimum health and energy and curtail premature death.
Is there too much on your plate?
How about that "sweet tooth"? You say, "I tried everything! That sweet tooth is getting me into trouble all the time. I don't know where to turn." May I recommend that you see my son? He is a dentist. Maybe he can help you with that sweet tooth!
How about that "fat tooth"? Americans eat too much fat. The amount of fat, oil and grease has actually gone up over the last 25 years in spite of that "low fat" campaign. And we pay for it with heart attacks, strokes, obesity, diabetes and many other diseases.
How do we change?
Begin to eat more fruits and salads. But, what about those blue cheese or ranch dressings which can add more than 500 calories to a salad? That's 500 more calories that you don't need. This week try your salads with some lemon or lime squeezed on it; or mix up some super salad dressing using this recipe:
Super Salad Dressing
1/2 c water
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c lemon juice
1/2 tsp onion power
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Combine all ingredients and shake well. Let it sit; with age, it will get even better.
The Nutrition Knowledge Quiz
Let's see what you remember from the last couple of health columns dealing with the “Seven Wrong Roads in Modern Nutrition.” Here is your Knowledge Quiz:
Write the letter of the correct description in each blank. There is only one correct letter for each food item.
____Sugar ____Snacks ____Fat ____Salt ____Protein
____Beverages ____Refined foods
A. Americans consume these instead of water. Most are loaded with calories, sugar and chemicals.
B. Fiber protects from certain adult cancers, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps control weight and contributes to regularity. It is difficult to fin fiber in these foods.
C. North Americans eat 10 times more this than they really need. It contributes to high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease.
D. Many people get nearly 40 percent of their daily calories from this. It plugs up arteries. It contributes to overweight, Type 2 Diabetes and to hypertension.
E. Added as a refined product, it makes up more than 16 percent of America's daily calories. Yet it provides no fiber or nutrients.
F. Americans eat twice as much of this than is recommended. Many scientists now agree and recognize that too much can be harmful.
G. These often take the place of real food. They are low in nutrition. They are high in price. And they can interrupt proper digestion. And they are everywhere!
Correct Answers:
E, G, D, C, F, A, B