The 5 Worst Sins in North American Diets
The 5 Worst Sins in North American Diets.
North American diets leave plenty of room for improvement.
A 2011 Gallup poll showed that in May of that year, only 55.9% of Americans claimed to have eaten the recommended five or more servings of vegetables and fruits on at least four days in a given week.
A 2011 Gallup poll showed that in May of that year, only 55.9% of Americans claimed to have eaten the recommended five or more servings of vegetables and fruits on at least four days in a given week.
Many North Americans find eating enough fruits and vegetables to be challenging.
There are plenty of ways in which Americans miss the mark in terms of modern nutrition recommendations.
To some people the only vegetables eaten are the salad & fries in a McDonald trio.
It's funny how this can be North Americans are food insecure, that doesn't mean that you're starving it means that you lack of proper nutrition. People who are food insecure in countries like the US, Canada & UK, France just to name those, are paradoxically at greater risk of obesity which often go hand in hand with nutrient deficiency. Nutrition is vital to
the growth & development of children. Now if we don't make changes in our mentality we will be in a severe predicament with our future.
Here are the five worst North American dietary “sins.”
1. Mindless eating
Effects: Weight gain and less appetite for healthy foods at mealtime.
Your mother was right to be concerned about spoiling your appetite between school and dinner.
Mindless eating is defined as eating for reasons other than physical hunger. It doesn’t take long to develop a habit of sitting down to watch your favorite televisionprogram with a bag of chips and a soda. People also engage in mindless snacking
when they’re bored, under stress, or sad. The simple act of not snacking when you’re not physically hungry can save a significant number of empty calories over time.
Also eating dinner in front of a TV will make you eat faster & much more.
People who eat while distracted such as while reading or playing games not only consume more at the time, but later in the day, too, this could be by as much as 25 per cent
2. Giant portion sizes
Effects: Higher cholesterol levels, weight gain, and the dreaded afternoon slump that hits after eating a big lunch.
There’s nothing wrong with having a big plateful on Thanksgiving or for other special occasions. However, North
Americans have grown used to having huge portions of food on their plates. Restaurants earn a lot of repeat business by offering large portions so that patrons feel as if they’re treating themselves and are getting value for their money. The problem comes when enormous portions carry over into everyday eating patterns.
Eventually,huge portions start to look like the norm.
3. Poor meal planning
Effects: High blood pressure in adults (due to high sodium levels), weight gain,and establishment of poor eating habits for children
Families are busy, with everyone from grandparents to small children having schedules that are filled with commitments, and the result is a lack of time to plan
nutritious meals and snacks, let alone prepare them. When meal decisions are left to the last minute, families tend to cope by ordering pizza or hitti
ng the nearest drive-thru. Just a little extra planning time each week before buying groceries will allow you to purchase foods that are as convenient as fast food, yet far more nutritious.
What could be faster than grabbing a bunch of grapes or an apple as you head out the door for soccer practice?
What could be faster than grabbing a bunch of grapes or an apple as you head out the door for soccer practice?
People who might be horrified at the thought of eating 40 grams of sugar at once may be consuming an equivalent amount in the form of soda.
4. Liquid calories
Effects: Rapid increase in blood sugar levels followed by a crash, weight gain,
and dental problems *)see note
People who might be horrified at the thought of eating 40 grams of sugar at once may be consuming an equivalent ...
A 12 ounce can of non-diet soda has nearly 40grams of sugars, and those sugars account for all 140 calories inthat serving. Juices
too are high in sugar and calories, and should also be consumed only in moderation.
Modern nutrition guidelines suggest limiting sugary sodas to special occasions rather than having them every day. Liquid calories are not only detrimental tonutrition;they're also detrimental to teeth because of their acidic qualities and high levels of sugars
*
Sugar, can without doubt be termed as one of the basic foods needed for survival because of its extensive use in almost each and every corner of
the world. Somescientists say that sugar acts as a ‘feel good’ substance just like some brain chemicals known as serotonin with dopamine and other drugs that are termed illicitfor inducing addictive behavior within the consumers.
Are you addicted?
Having a sweet tooth is not uncommon. Millions of North Americans tend to consume sugar in the form of baked confectioneries or soda drinks etc.
Some may say that these people are addicted to sugar and can’t live without it. But delving into a habit of feeding yourself sugar every two or three hours or so can be a bit risky too.
5. Overly processed foods
Effects: Too little fiber and too few vitamins and minerals, weight gain, and the post - carb “crash” after eating too many simple carbs.
North American diets tend to include a lot of highly - processed foods like chips,cookies, and other convenience foods. Foods that are the most convenient (except for vegetables that can be eaten raw and fruits)
Substituting an apple for your mid-afternoon bag of chips and swapping the soda you have at lunch for a bottle of mineral water can, over time, help you
The way they labelfoods, the companies play have oc with our knowledge;
here's an example;
they separate and use manydifferent names for example sugars of different types for example: corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, juice concentrate etc.
If they would name sugar of all types it would probably be the first item
My conclusion is one of the secrets of longevity is a diet (lifestyle not privation)
that’s low in processed foods, high in fruits and vegetables, and that includes plenty of variety.
If you eat apple it's great but if you add protein like a piece of cheese,it isn’t easy to pass up processed convenience foods and
large restaurant meals when they are so readily available and relatively inexpensive. Yet typical North American diets would benefit greatly from
swapping out even a few of these convenient foods for healthier choices.
Substituting an apple for your mid-afternoon bag of chips and swapping the soda you have at lunch for a bottle of mineral water can, over time, help you
consume much less sugar, salt, and fat, take in fewer calories, and limit the effects of sugar on your dental health.
Source:
1 Sacramento examiner
2 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2295303/Why
3 Nutrition Action Health Newsletter.
4 NutraIngredients USA
Posted by Astryd 4 Energy on Thursday 4 July 2013
*Any weight loss or health testimonials presented here are applicable to the individuals depicted and are not a guarantee of your weight loss nor are they typical. Herbalife products can be a healthy part of your weight loss program, which includes diet and exercise.
An extensive questionnaire generated responses from more than 200 U.S. Herbalife Independent Distributors about their weight-loss programs and results. They reported weight loss ranging from 4 pounds to 167 pounds and a reduced body mass index (BMI) of 1.5 points to 24.1 points, suggesting that consumption of Herbalife® products is associated with weight loss and improvement in BMI in those ranges.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
