A plant-based lifestyle has really taken its place in many households as of 2022. You can read stories about this on social media, on podcasts and on television. In fact, many people are wondering if a whole foods plant-based diet is healthier than the Standard American Diet. 
Whole Foods Plant-Based Diet
According to the latest finding, it looks like the answer is an absolute yes. There are several reasons why the dietary community leans in the direction of whole foods and more fruits and vegetables. Maybe they are on to something. Is the whole foods plant-based diet the Holy Grail of all diets? Let’s see what we can find.
The Medical and Scientific Data
We have known for quite some time that processed meats cause harm. In fact, the World’s Health Organization (WHO) has classified processed meats as Group 1 Carcinogen known to increase colorectal cancer.
According to an Adventist Health study, people who eat a plant-based diet tend to weigh less, have fewer years of debility and as a bonus, they add 8-10 years to life expectancy.
USDA have found that the average American derives 94% of their calories from processed foods and animal products.
- Diet is the single contributor of premature death.
- Cow’s milk cause protein sensitivity
- Lactose intolerance
- Chronic constipation
- Severe abdominal pain
Benefits of a Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle
Not only is plant-based safe to provide benefits for growing, developing bodies, well-planned vegetarian’s diets are appropriate for individuals in all stages of the life cycle. It is effective for all the following:
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Infancy
- Childhood
- Adolescence
- Athletes.
Standard American Diet is Not Working
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is a modern-day health hazard. The entities that should promote a healthy diet, has failed royally. Notice the multiple aisles in your grocery store. They are stocked full of high caloric, low-nutritional junk food. By the way, many of these items are catered to children. SAD is very unhealthy. Take a look. 
Sugars:
Did you know that Americans consume 150 pounds of sugar and 120 pounds of grains per year? Both of these are highly refined products. This process strips away all the fiber. The sugar and grains are rapidly absorbed in the small intestines. The result is chronic inflammation and intense sugar cravings.
Salt:
Processed foods are loaded with salt. The average American consumes nearly three pounds of salt per year. We only need a few ounces. Anything more has consequences, including complications in the gut.
Preservatives:
Are you aware that there are ten thousand food additives in our food supply? These contaminants are destroying our gut ecosystem (microbioto). Food additives induce inflammation and cause obesity and colitis in research mice.
Artificial sweeteners:
Artificial sweeteners are deceptive. They claim to be zero calories. However, they are worse than sugar. In fact, they do major damage to gut. They promote inflammation, insulin resistance and cause liver damage. Rumor has it that they cause weight gain.
The Standard American Diet is not Whole Foods
In summary, the SAD is deficient in fiber and antioxidants. Plus, it is high in salt, sugar and fats. At the same time, we see a rise in the prevalence of chronic conditions. For example, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia are on the rise? We have to ask ourselves Why? These causes increased suffering, increased debility and shortened lifespans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Harvard School of Public Health estimate that 80% of chronic conditions can be prevented through diet and lifestyle choices. However, the SAD does not meet this these qualifications.
The Role of Fiber
Fiber plays a major role in digestive health. It is the fuel cells used to keep the body in good health. Fiber keeps the digestive tract regulated. Fiber can help support your immune system. It also has other functions. 
- Balances blood sugar
- Reduces inflammation
- Lowers cholesterol
- Balances hormones and lots more
Why is Organic Foods Better?
If food is certified organic, it is not genetically modified (GMOs) and is not sprayed with glyphosate. Buying organic is a small investment in your health, the health of your family and the health of the planet. The chemicals being used in modern agriculture aren’t affecting only us. It affects the health of our soil. Unhealthy soil affects the crops that we buy from the grocer.
We Have Become Sedentary Carnivores
What once helped preserve our species has become our fatal flaw. Unlike our predecessors, hunters and gathers, the typical American college student plays video games all day long. In addition, they pig out on the couch, drinking soda and eating pizza. Sounds all too familiar. A couch potato becomes addictive. Next thing you know, healthy habits fly out the door.
Strive for 90 percent
A good rule of thumb is to strive for 90 percent plant-bast. You know why? Here’s why. This is how people in the blue zone live. For example, these residents are 90% plant based. As a result, they experience wonderful health benefits. They also live to 100 completely free from sickness ad disease. At the end of the day, lifestyle can go a long way.
Our Food Choices are Destroying the Planet
According to the USDA every minute in our country, animals that are used for food produce 7 million pounds of excrement, In addition, the World Watch Institute found that 51% of global greenhouse emissions are due to livestock and their byproducts. 
Animal Agriculture is the Leading Cause of:
- Species extinction
- Ocean dead zones
- Water pollution
- Habitat destruction
Transition to a Higher Quality of Life
The good news is that we can make choices today to transition to a higher quality of life. Choosing a plant-based diet can improve your overall health. If you don’t wish to get on board with a plant based whole foods lifestyle, do it for the next generation. At the end of the day, choosing this way of life also helps sustain the planet.
The Point of No Return
Now is the time to transform your health from the inside out. We have reached the point of no return. Our unhealthy lifestyle leads us down a rabbit hole that is a dead end. However, we have a chance to make a comeback. By transitioning to a plant-based diet, we reverse sick and disease and kick it to the curve.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Small changes make a big difference. Let’s take our health back one person, one plate at a time. Are you with me? Excellent. I look forward to a discussion about this topic. I’d like to hear your spin on our current health and wellness dilemma. Don’t sit back and let life slip through your fingers. The ball is in your court. Aim for a 3-point shot.
Yours truly,
Rachele, Founder and CEO
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My email: rachele@mybluegenes.com
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