Does your Diet do that?

As Americans we have eternally been labeled the most obese country in the world.  And even more disappointing is the fact that when it comes to food selections Americans have choices, and the world's most extensive list of trending diets.  Despite these diet selections, we as a population still can't seem to pull ourselves out of the McDonald's drive-thru line.  This resistance to a balanced diet has led researchers to consider traditional diets from around the world.  As a result of this study they have found what could potentially be the world's healthiest diet.

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According to Business Insider 18-29 year old Americans have an obesity rate of 20.3%. This rate proportionally increases with age meaning that as time goes on your pants size only gets bigger (in comparison with the rest of the nation). To coincide with a national growing waste line, obese people have medical costs that are about $1,429 more than the medical costs of people with an average weight.  Culturally these numbers continue to grow.  Looking towards other countries with statistically healthier lifestyles, longer life expectancies, and an overall absence of chronic disease can shed light on how to get Americans away from the plus size image.

When taking a closer look at diets on an intercultural level, it becomes apparent that the frozen chemically comprised meals of popular diets like Weight Watchers are not the answer.  Across the board the world's healthiest diets are all low-fat diets rich in fish, lean protein, vegetables, fruits and beans (Forbes.com).  Any diet that focuses more on the consumption of natural substances will reduce cholesterol levels and contribute cancer fighting antioxidants.  Consider choosing fish over the greasy burger next time you are looking for a bite to eat.  Fish has endless health benefits and is high is omega 3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of the number one chronic disease in our country, heart disease.

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Another difference between Americans and the rest of the world is the concept of portion size.  Somewhere along the way a portion size became the equivalent of a dinner for two in other countries.  The ancient idea of portion control is how the healthiest countries maintain their figure.  Because of this conscious understanding of what they are eating, individuals are able to indulge without ruining their calorie counting for the day.  Researchers propose adopting aspects of the world's healthiest diets into your daily routine instead of trying to change your lifestyle into something that it is not.  As obvious as this suggestion seems other studies question whether it is the diet or the health care in these foreign countries that has them taking the stairs.

So what is the healthiest diet?

The Japanese, Chinese, and Mediterranean diets have been identified as the most balanced globally.   Asian cultures have the lowest statistics of chronic disease and the diets have been correlated with a longer life expectancy.  Asian diets fall short in some areas when the amount of sodium intake is considered in the majority of dishes.  Across the board researchers agree that the Mediterranean diet out shines all other cultural practices when it comes to food.  The diet is high in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; yielding a 9% lower death rate than people who ate lower amounts of the included foods.  Similar to the Asian diet, those who consumed Mediterranean centered meals had significantly lower rates of heart disease. 

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If all of the numbers and portions are too much to keep track of the answer to a healthier diet is simple, eat more fruits and vegetables.  These diets all have a higher consumption of the healthiest aspects of a meal, while most Americans are pouring over the dessert menu.  Incorporating the values of international diets will only increase the amount of vitamins and enzymes that you consume.  Overall letting (healthy) diversity play a part in your meal plans will not only broaden your palette, but also shrink your waste size.  Snacking on freshly prepared stir fry and fresh fruit sounds much better than ordering a 5 dollar mystery meat burger at your local super-size me, doesn't it? 

-RV

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