Magazine_Winter2020_RND6_12.03.19.indd

Since World War II, things have changed. Women in the workplace, global economies and cheaper air freight are just a few of the factors that have changed the way we eat. Microwaves, fast-food restaurants and agribusiness are a few more. During this time period, we’ve gotten busier, more urbanized and a bit more removed from our food sources. We also need to do less physical labor as a population. Finally, the ubiquitous nature of digital entertainment has made (allowed) us to become more sedentary. These combined factors had resulted in a country that was gaining weight at an alarming rate. It turns out that while Americans like getting fat, they don’t like being fat, so next came the diets. Almost every popular diet focused on a segment of the truth. “Cut fat and you’ll lose weight,” or “Carbs are the reason for your belly.” These statements, which may have some kernel of “common sense” in them are simply not true. People get results when they stick to these diets, but so frequently they gain the weight back when they went off the diets. The reality is that sticking to any calorically-controlled diet will result in weight loss, but they are not eternally sustainable because of the body’s need for all of the nutrients that are in some of the foods that are being omitted. Diets aren’t the answer. So what is the answer? Lifestyle changes are the answer. Not a magic pill, just lifestyle changes. Here are a few simple facts: • Your Metabolism (metabolic rate) determines how quickly your body burns calories. • While genetics do play a role in metabolic rate, a very small percentage of the population has a clinically low metabolic rate. • Metabolic rate is primarily determined by the ratio of lean muscle mass in your body to everything else (organs, bones, fat…). • You can affect your metabolism (in either direction). Changing the way you look at these facts and your entire situation is the first Lifestyle Change. You’re not a victim. This didn’t happen to you. You may have been given some bad information along the way, but ultimately you are a result of your decisions. Nutrition Quarterly · 2020 – Volume 1 20 The Good Life