“SAD”, the acronym for today’s ‘Standard American Diet’ is rightfully descriptive. With a prevalence of nutrient-void food, we see more and more people in our lifetime literally overfed and undernourished.
We’ve touched on the soil studies and reports revealing today’s vegetables to be less nutrient-dense than those of years ago. Even more concerning is the proliferation of cheap, manufactured food. Such processed food intends to stimulate and excite – to entice us to eat more. With skillful layers of sugar, fat, salt and chemicals, manufactured food can be outright addictive. Ironically, the more we eat, the ‘hungrier’ we become – as our bodies yearn for true nutrition.
Our bodies want the best nutrition from a wide variety of whole foods, not manufactured foods or supplements. The USDA defines recommended intake for various vitamins and minerals we need to receive each day through our food. The vast majority of us do not achieve these levels, many of which are arguably suggested minimums.
Travelers in particular are at risk for not meeting daily required nutrients. Recently I analyzed my intake daily across a week. And despite focused effort and determination to eat the healthiest food, I was surprised to find a few consistent gaps, specifically with calcium, iron, folate, and sometimes magnesium and potassium. And while I could pop a supplement to cover these*, I know that our bodies best absorb nutrients and get the best, full nutrition from whole foods. It is a challenge to get all the needed nutrients each day, even when you highly control the environment. But when you are in a rush and at the mercy of what’s around or given to you… ? Forgettaboutit!
Have you ever analyzed the actual nutrient content of what you consume over a day or two, or consulted with a nutritionist to get their feedback? It can be eye-opening, even for someone who believes they are already super healthy.. And for someone weaning off the “SAD” diet, it can be downright dramatic. Optimal nutrients from the right mix of foods help keep our bodies and minds in peak performance. The exact mix will vary by individual, with different health goals and different body chemistry and varying nutrient absorption efficiency.
When we eat meals containing nutrient dense foods, we tend to feel more satiated vs eating less nutritious food. The lower the nutrition, the higher our tendency to overeat. With so much easy, convenient, and less nutritious food at our fingertips, it is no wonder many Americans today are simultaneously overfed and undernourished. “Sad” indeed.
On the road, look for nutrient-dense foods such as spinach and other dark leafy greens, farm eggs, wild salmon, organic berries, organic yogurt, almonds, and pastured (raised and finished) meats. This requires effort and runs counter to the impulse to grab a quick bagel or pastry while running through the airport or out the door. Have you noticed a correlation in the quality of food you eat, and how satisfied you feel afterward? Or how about how good you feel? Test it out and let us know!
*I’ll cover supplements in a future post. I do take a few high-quality supplements under watch of a medical professional and with appropriate blood monitoring.
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