The Downward Spiral of Diet and Nutrition

Think you know all that you need to know about diet and nutrition? Think again. Statistics are hard to argue with, and they have been showing that Americans have been gaining weight, steadily, over the past four decades.

Obesity rates have skyrocketed to 32 percent of all adult Americans, as of 2007, compared to 15 percent in 1970. During this nearly 40 year period, many Americans clearly lost sight of proper diet and nutrition.

So, now we see that there is a clear problem at hand, but how do we begin to fix it? Wasn’t it improper ideas about diet and nutrition that led to the current crisis? The answer to this question is: yes.

Has New Technology Led to Our Downfall?

The driving force behind our weight explosion has been an ideological shift in the way that Americans think about food and eating, or, as it can also be called, diet and nutrition.

In attempting to understand what occurred during the 1970’s, it may be helpful to take a quick page from history.

Following the conclusion of the Second World War, the United States was left with a vast industrial potential that had no purpose after manufacturing bullets and airplanes became unnecessary. In addition, World War II forced scientists to create innovative new technologies to deal with the challenges faced on the battlefield. After the war, much of this industrial and scientific might transferred to a more peaceful means-the civilian sector, of course! As a result, a multitude of products that had never before existed made their way into American civilian hands. One of these products was “fast food” and the concept of diet and nutrition seemed to vanish.

The “Fat” Facts Behind Fast Food

While fast food is often associated with drive-through restaurants, the term can also be applied to ready-made meals, such as those that are found in your grocer’s freezer isle.

Unfortunately, in order to provide these meals to consumers at prices that make them desirable, and in a fresh condition even months after their preparation, diet and nutrition were – and often still are – NOT considered that important.

The adoption of these ready-to- eat meals in the masses, and over time, by the American public coincides with the rise in national obesity levels. As Americans began to succumb to marketing efforts that pitched ready-made products as the ultimate solution to the inconvenience of meal preparation, the effects became obvious by our expanding waistlines.

Putting the Stats in Reverse…

The reasonable question is: how are we to reverse this trend? The answer is less complicated than one might think. Take some time to consider diet and nutrition. While you’re at it, take a little more time preparing your meals. Rather than reach into your freezer, try preparing dinner yourself, from fresh ingredients.