Everyday Systems

"Grain-based desserts" are now the top source of calories in the United States, according to a recent analysis in JAMA internal medicine. That doesn't even include "dairy desserts" (number 10) or soft/energy drinks (number 4). Shocked? Disturbed? Depressed? I prefer to look at it in a more positive light: think what a difference "no sweets" can make.

http://nyti.ms/29SC1ix

It took me a moment to internalize the fact that they aren't just referring to "excess" calories, but TOTAL calories. I'd say "shocked" and "disturbed" do a good job of describing my initial reaction... but not "surprised."

reinhard wrote:"Grain-based desserts" are now the top source of calories in the United States, according to a recent analysis in JAMA internal medicine. That doesn't even include "dairy desserts" (number 10) or soft/energy drinks (number 4). Shocked? Disturbed? Depressed? I prefer to look at it in a more positive light: think what a difference "no sweets" can make.

http://nyti.ms/29SC1ix

The shocking part is that it took a new government study to know that we're fat because we eat too much sugar and too many snacks!

Okay, I know there's a bit more to the study than that, but the basic information was already out there (and nicely organized and documented in your book as well!), so nothing really surprising to see here.

I do wish more people knew about NoS and would give it a try. Sometimes when I tell people about it, they seem so non-plussed. It's revolutionary and simple all at the same time--perhaps too much of both for some people, but it just makes so much sense. Really, though, as a country we all need to do something.

I don't know if subsidies will stop on most of those crops though. As mentioned in the article, the same products are used in biofuels, animal feed etc... too. But, maybe recognizing the problem will be a first step...

Merry wrote:I don't know if subsidies will stop on most of those crops though. As mentioned in the article, the same products are used in biofuels, animal feed etc... too. But, maybe recognizing the problem will be a first step...

Subsidization of cheap, multi-purpose (mostly GMO, a.k.a. patented) grain crops will probably never end, certainly not until or unless something more profitable comes along. It's not that "they" (the powers-that-be) don't recognize the problem; they just don't care.

Oh, and articles with gooey, frosty doughnuts pictured at the top need to come with warnings, LOL!

I wish our American government loved Americans more.

When I compare what I buy with what's available in the stores, I am not surprised. But it is appalling.

They were certainly what sustained me for years. Well, grain and sugar. I call all flour foods "particle" foods. I consider them to be partially digested. I'm experimenting with eating very little of them, even the unsweetened kind.

What I find disturbing these days, after coming out of the worst of the attachment, is how strongly most of us defend having access to them. So much talk (on other boards) of fearing deprivation. But I did it, too.

Here's a pertinent quotation: “Agricultural policies are just not aligned with public health goals.” Nor is defending free speech to advertise addictive foods, IMHO.

Now, if we could just get the food manufacturers to foot the health insurance bill, boy, would we EVER see a turnaround!