Is There Hope?

The celebration of food and culture in the United States has been a major cause of obesity and illness. In the past 60 years, the percentage of overweight and obese adults has gone up from 45% to 73%, which in turn has increased the rate of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and many other illnesses. The standard American diet (SAD) includes many high caloric foods including meat, dairy, refined baked goods, and oils. Plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans are much less calorie dense and therefore make it easier for people to maintain a normal weight. Changing to a plant-based diet would increase the health of Americans as well as the health of people all over the world.