Remember when we just ate whatever we felt like eating?
And, nothing happened…..except we were full & happy!
I had SO MANY eating questions during holiday break. And, I felt as though we’ve placed SO much emphasis on the various methods of eating (i.e., Keto, Clean Eating, Low Carb, High-Protein, Calorie Deficit…..) we are becoming a nation afraid of food. Dramatic, but true.
So, I decided to do some research on staying healthy without going crazy.
As promised, I will always provide science-backed information you can read for yourself if you are so inclined:) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071223/
Dr. Hellas Cena and Dr. Philip Caulder of the University of Pavia in Italy conducted studies on the advantages of a more Mediterrean-influenced diet as opposed to our current Western diet. The concept of eating more olive oil and whole, fresh foods originally gained popularity with Ansel Keys in 1975!
A very large and growing amount of evidence supports that our intake of certain types of nutrients, specific food groups, or dietary patterns positively influences health and promotes the prevention of common non-communicable diseases. Greater consumption of these healthier options and limited intake of processed foods and sugars are more prevalent in Mediterranean eating. These eating patterns reduce risk of Hypertension and help lessen Neurodegenerative Delay. The bottom line is: Less processed foods (i.e., potato chips, cold cuts, protein drinks in cans, pre-made frozen meals, you get the idea…) if you eat a lot of processed food now….begin to cut just one thing out a day. Try to integrate more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Always reach for the fresh fruit as opposed to dried fruit. Dried fruit contains a LOT of sugar. Fructose, or the sugar in fresh fruit, processes differently.
To wrap it up, evidence from epidemiological studies and clinical trials indicate that these types of eating patterns reduce risks of NCD’s including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Moderation in all things,
xo, Rosanna