The Top 10 Problems with the American Diet

BLOOMINGTON, MINN. — According to the National Institute of Health, the number one health problem in the United States is obesity, and if the current trend continues, by the year 2230 all adults in the United States will be obese. This fact is discouraging for the dieter because after spending so much money attempting to lose weight, 95 percent of them gain all the weight back and then add on even more pounds within three years.

According to Charles Sawyer, DC, senior vice president and provost at Northwestern Health Sciences University, “Diets simply do not work. People are simply taking in too many calories while not burning enough of them.”

Dr. Sawyer notes that in order to actually lose weight people need to take in less and burn even more. He suggests being extremely patient. Real results should happen gradually over a long period of time.

Dr. Sawyer offers these “Top 10 Problems with the American Diet”:

• We’re too self-conscious to be seen at the beach. Women are especially not getting enough calcium or vitamin D due to lack of sunshine. This can lead to osteoporosis and fractures;
• We don’t eat enough beans. Garbanzo beans are the right ratio of carbohydrates to fiber;
• Beef cattle are not as healthy as they used to be. Cattle these days are caged-in and are therefore their beef is high in saturated fat, which can lead to heart disease;
• We hate broccoli. Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C and fiber and also absorbs nutrients because it takes time to eat and digest;
• We eat white food, like bread and pasta. Wheat is a much healthier alternative;
• The drive-through window is so convenient. Americans like the idea of a quick and easy meal, even though fast-food is not healthy;
• We can’t all live in northern Italy. Italians are known for their healthy eating habits (low fat, high fiber) and laid-back personalities;
• We don’t eat enough healthy meat. Beef is the most commonly consumed meat, whereas fish and turkey are healthier options;
• We’ve made exercise too complicated. The hardest part is simply getting out the door; and
• We consume too many calories. It is hard to burn how many calories we actually consume in one day. We must take in less and burn more.

For additional resources on a healthy lifestyle, visit http://www.nwhealth.edu/nns. The Web site focuses on natural approaches to health and wellness, and is hosted by Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Editor's note: The Natural News Service is a public information program provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University. If you choose to use this release, please attribute the information accordingly. The University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and integrative health and wellness. The University has more than 900 students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minn.