Wheat is so pervasive in the American diet, that David points his finger at the right culprit. The problem being that the wheat plant has been modified in the past fifty years in size, gluten-content, and in ways that have not been tested on public health.
With the rise of autism, ADD, celiac, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and the like, people need to wake up and realize mindless eating is killing our country. Fast food, processed crap {mainly wheat-based} is stealing lives. Wheat is in our breakfast bowls, lunch boxes, drive-thru windows, and dinner tables.
When I think of most obese Americans, I am reminded of my dad.
He had a wheat belly and was addicted to sweets and sugar. He was 5’6″ and at his heaviest, 250 lbs. He had a kidney transplant. And diabetes. And high blood pressure. And pancreatitis.
My dad died at a mere 54. Four years ago already this November. My kids will never know him.
He carb-o loaded on breads and pastas. In hindsight, it was his diet and the barrage of pharmaceutical drugs that killed my father. First and foremost, it was his diet. His poor choices.
But what are choices when we don’t know what the hell to eat in the first place? Americans followed the food pyramid and grew exponentially, according to Dr. Davis. Now we have the food plate, but processed and fast food prevails in most American households.
Even the college-trained nutritionist and dieticians have it all wrong. Grains are garbage for our health, but in a land of buns, breads, cookies, and the like, what’s left to eat?
A lot. If you read up on raw, paleo, and grain-free diets, but almost two years into being gluten-free, it’s still hard for my family.
Up until two years ago, I thought feeding my son organic whole wheat toast and organic milk was the healthiest thing EVER. I was super mom of the year.
Then he developed autism and my nutritional world was shaken.
So, I hope you all read this book if you eat wheat products. Remember that even the organic whole wheat toast spikes your blood sugar more than a candy bar. {Whole wheat has a glycemic index of 72, and Snickers a 49}
Your take-aways from reading this blog post {I hope}:
1.) I beg of you, to ask your doctor to be screened for celiac. Every single person in this country should be tested. It’s covered by insurance and it’s a simple blood draw.
2.) Even if you test negative, try being wheat-free for a month. You can do it. If you need ideas or advice, feel free to contact me via twitter or email.
To your health,
Nicolette
Thanks for this post – I am so on again off again with my gluten free eating…maybe this book will motivate me
We are getting ready to move to Japan, so I’m hoping it will be naturally easier there with all the rice and just a healthier culture in general.
Thank you for your post. I searched but didn’t find anything — have you posted on your favourite recipes/meal ideas/snack ideas? If not, I would LOVE to see this as a future post(s).
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
Thank you for this post!! I had been gluten free for a year and half until a month ago, because of a move. There is such a difference. My head spins for hours after I eat a sandwich even when it’s packed with the good stuff. I agree 100% that bread and carbs are terrible for you. And I can’t wait to go gluten- free again.
Thank you for this post! I put this book on hold at the library when I saw your mention of it on FB. I can’t wait to read it.
I have three sons who are gluten-intolerant (but not celiac) and I found changing the way I feed them one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s hard to find the energy to keep making things from scratch, but when I make a mistake and someone gets sick, I know my job is too important to slack off. Is your little one responding to a special diet?
Lisa @ Allergy Free Vintage Cookery
Thanks for the information! I have been terribly sick with autoimmune disease and now take a ton of meds, so I will gladly read the book!
Wow, that’s really interesting. I’m really sorry about your dad, he was so young! My dad is also overweight, and in the last few years I’ve been noticing it a lot more, especially with me becoming a mom 7 months ago and him getting older. He needs to change his diet, but he’s so stuck. Stuck in his ways and his pride, and I want my daughter and future children to know him..he just doesn’t seem to get it! Thank you so much for the post!
http://www.lungfam.blogspot.com
I am glad you shared this. I think I might have to incorporate some changes to my diet after my coolsculpting procedure.