“Sometimes a hard sacrifice must be made for a future that’s worth living.” – Tom Branson, Downton Abbey, Season Two
Don’t we miss Downton Abbey and the engaging Tom Branson character … Oh, but he is not the subject of my column this week! His comment, however, rings true for our timely topic.
Looking back over 248 years (this July 4th!) of eating habits in our country, I believe our American ancestors would be astonished to see that many Americans today must make some hard choices in their dietary and exercise habits in order to achieve a healthy life. After all, for the most part our ancestors did not have the ability to eat pretty much constantly by virtue of snacking and ready-to-eat dining options at their fingertips.
The typical 1776 diet of the colonists consisted of wild game, soups/stews, cabbage/root vegetables and breads1 while the typical diet of the early-mid 19th century was made up mostly of salted cured meats, butter/milk, and homegrown vegetables2, and the early-to-mid 20th century diet was more varied with fruit and vegetables but mostly consisted of meat and potatoes, dairy products, and the introduction of convenience foods.3
The typical diet of the USA population from the mid-50s until today introduced soft drinks both regular and diet, chips and salty snacks, processed meats, and a myriad of pastries and sweets. Growing up in the 50s and 60s, I seldom recall eating between meals, and snacks were limited to special occasions. “Fast” food and the accompanying increase of preservatives, antibiotics, and hormones in our foods has increased maladies from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, to an epidemic of obesity.
I used the quote above this week to emphasize that for many it is quite difficult to sacrifice the salt, sugar, preservative-laden foods that are at our fingertips any time of day or night. Adding to this epidemic of obesity is the cable industry, offering hundreds of cable TV stations to choose from as we click the remote and video games that do not require movement from the sofa.
The combination of our dietary habits and “couch potato” fitness regimen are causing us to lose focus on living a long and healthy life. Remember, too, that our American ancestors were in constant movement if they were able; “sitting” was not part of their daily regimen. Their activity levels used what they consumed. For the most part, their shorter life spans were due to maladies not yet curable and preventable by antibiotics and inoculations against disease.
While no one has a guarantee on longevity, don’t we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to have a life that is worth living? Today’s world is full of anxiety, stress, and the ability to make poor choices – let’s choose a future that can be better shaped by a healthy, dynamic eating plan and the resolve to stay strong, flexible, and energetic.
My suggestion is begin slowly, omitting items from your eating plan and incorporating organic foods that actually make you healthier. This is a great time of year to begin a walking activity, add in that all-important stretching and some light weights and you will benefit from a much healthier life by making these changes.
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.
1Food Timeline Library, Jan. 3, 2015
2NCPedia, Spring 2007
3Cooperative Extension, USDA, University of California, 2001 Vol. 2 No. 2