Standard American Diet (SAD) Facts – The SAD Truth by the Numbers

Our bodies are finely-tuned machines and run off the food, exercise, and sleep we give them. Because of that, proper nutrition is the building block of our health and everything, from how we feel to how we look, is determined by our food choices. Unfortunately, many Americans prioritize convenience over health, which can lead to an unbalanced, unhealthy diet. The Standard American Diet infographic shows we consume more added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium than our bodies know what to do with.

Just take a look at the numbers from the National Cancer Institute:

• 3 out of 4 Americans don’t eat a single piece of fruit in a day
• 9 out of 10 don’t reach the minimum recommended intake of vegetables
• 96% don’t reach the minimum for greens in a week
• We eat 610 calories a day of grain products, and only 206 calories a day of fruits and veggies

Standard American Diet Infographic

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It’s no wonder that the Standard American Diet is contributing to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, and more. So how should we reshape our diets to give our bodies the fuel they need to thrive? See the Reshape Your Diet Tips below.

Improve Your Diet with Clean Food

The idiom “you are what you eat” holds true in many cases. If you feed your body strong, healthy food, you will be strong and healthy. Below are some guidelines of how to make clean, healthy food choices:

When Possible, Eat Organic

By eating organic produce, you limit your exposure to toxic chemicals. It’s much easier to avoid chemicals now than figure out how to get rid of them later.

Stay on the Outside of the Grocery Store

A good rule of thumb is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where most of the fresh food is found. Generally, the outside of grocery stores have all the fresh produce, dairy, and meat, while the aisles are stocked with processed picks.

Eat More Plant-Based Foods

Focus on eating fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and other non-processed foods. These foods are full of healthy nutrients and can help prolong your life and guard you against disease.

Use Healthy Oils When Cooking

Not all oils are created equal. The World Health Organization recommends cooking with unsaturated fats, such as olive or coconut oil, rather than saturated or trans fats, such as hydrogenated oils. Also, make sure you don’t let the oil smoke while cooking. When oil starts to smoke, toxic fumes are released. This process produces free radicals, which can cause cancer and are generally harmful to our health.

Train Your Taste Buds

Did you know that you can actually train your taste buds to enjoy eating healthier? We crave the diet we are accustomed to, so teach your tongue and brain to love healthy choices. By exchanging one unhealthy meal for a healthy diet choice a day, you will be well on your way to conquering the detrimental health effects of the Standard American Diet.

Learn more about healthy eating and living a balanced life in our Total Wellness eBook.