Adam Drewnowski states: In Seattle we have found that there are fivefold differences in obesity rates depending on the zip code — the low-income zip codes have a much higher proportion of obese people,” he said.

He added that studies in California suggested that a 10 percent rise in poverty translates into about a 6 percent increase in obesity among adults.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE50805W20090109?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true

We will not see a dramatic rise in obesity within the next year, but give it 5 years or so.  We will also see a drastic increase in chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cancer.  The silver lining is that this is preventable.

Action steps:

• Stick to the basics for food: fresh vegetables (dark greens especially), fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish and meat (sparingly).  Remember that your health is your most valuable asset and that cutting corners can have detrimental effects.
• Take time to prepare you own foods and sit down to eat your meals together.  This is also a great way to reduce stress and take your mind off of your daily worries.
• Prioritize your spending.  At the top of your list should be your basic needs: food, clothing and shelter.

• Primarily a plant based diet rich in vegetables, olives, legumes, nuts and seeds (all raw thus preserving the enzymatic activity of the foods).
• High in Mono-unsaturated fats (mainly from olive oil)
• Wine
• Ate with others
• Eating was an “occassion”
• They enjoyed their foods

Fats…who you callin’ fat?

The main component that stands out in this diet is the high consumption of fats. Now you may be saying “hold on there, why would I want to eat more fats? I don’t want to get fat!” Well, they’re eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Western diets are typically high in omega-6 fatty acids (which leads to increased inflammation). Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory.

Wine Consumption…eat, drink and be merry!

Wine was a staple at every meal and had an added health benefit from the compounds found in grapes called proanthocyanidins. (Most commonly found in grape seed extract) These compounds are potent antioxidants which help to fight against oxidative damage due to free radicals.

Studies show that adherence to the Mediterranean diet will decrease morbidity. (What does that mean???) Well…first of all, you’ll increase your lifespan. Secondly you will increase your quality of life.

Link to 10 year morbidity study

What’s the bottom line???

If you want to increase the quality of your life (especially your health) try a diet that’s rich in whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil, wild fish rich in omega 3’s, take your time eating your food, chew thoroughly, sit down with good company, laugh and supplement your diet with proanthocyanidins (Proflavanol 90)

Recommended Supplements:

Essentials with patented Olivol extract (the heart of the olive). The basis of any nutritional program should contain a broad spectrum multivitamin geared toward cellular nutrition.

Proflavanol 90 contains 90 mg of grape seed extract (proanthocyanidins). Another great way to get the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

BiOmega contains the omega-3 fatty acids from fish.

OptOmega is derived from olive oil, pumpkin seed oil, flax seed oil and rosemary extract.