Even with the rising number of people joining the low-carb craze, a study of 4,700 adults revealed that sodas and sweets, which contain what are known as "empty calories" because of their low nutritional value, were at the top of the list of most calories consumed. Statistics showed that these "empty calories" accounted for almost 25 percent of all the calories eaten by Americans. Salty snacks and fruit juices made up an additional 5 percent.
Some experts have placed the blame for the obesity epidemic on these shocking revelations.
A survey consisted of the collection of interview responses of 4,760 adults. The survey took place over the years 1999 and 2000 and involved questioning the participants on all the foods they had eaten over the past 24 hours.
Results of the study revealed that sweets were the number one calorie consumed followed by hamburgers, pizza and potato chips. The other highly consumed calorie was soda, which made up for 7.1 percent of all the calories consumed.
On the other hand, nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables accounted for 10 percent of the total calories consumed by Americans.
Experts stressed that a significant portion of American diets were severely lacking essential vitamins and minerals and recommended that people focus on the kind of food they ate, not necessarily on eating smaller portions.
Yahoo! News June 2, 2004
I have previously mentioned that 90 percent of the money Americans spend on food goes toward processed foods. This is very sad, but this data is four years old and I believe that the trend is starting to reverse. Many of the readers of this newsletter are leaders in this effort.
It’s like the old saying, "You are what you eat," and if that means mostly junk food, you are setting yourself up for some major long-term health complications.
If you think you can be healthy by eating mainly processed foods, you are mistaken. Our goal should be to reverse the ratio I mentioned above and strive for 90 percent non-processed food and only 10 percent from other food sources. Not only will you enjoy health benefits from this change, but also the satisfaction of preparing meals and controlling the ingredients is a great feeling.
I realize that it takes more time and energy to follow the program detailed in my new book, Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Program, but doing so could:
A great alternative to junk food or unhealthy processed foods is Whey Protein with Aminogen. This dietary supplement is a completely nutritious convenience food and an excellent option when you are pressed for time. Although whole foods are best, if you don’t have time to prepare your own food and find yourself reaching for fast food or a stop at a drive thru, consider Whey Protein with Aminogen instead.
As is the case with many people, I have very little free time. However, I prepare over 95 percent of my meals myself in order to preserve my health. It is a commitment, but it can be done.
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