HEALTHY EATING
The Diet Puzzle By Janice Tapp, MSN, RN
Food is the energy source that keeps our body nourished. Food can promote our well-being or poor health. Eating the best possible choices and maintaining the correct portions and balance should be our goal. However, nutrition is the least understood subject by our society, including the professionals who treat our health and diseases. The most popular diets address weight loss, followed by diets to control diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart diseases. There are so many different diets and methods to lose weight, but track records for them remain poor. People still need to lose weight and continue to survive with chronic diseases. This article provides a positive and negative review of some of the most common eating patterns. Standard American Diet (SAD) reflects a general food pyramid or food plate. It has protein, vegetables, fruits, grains, oils and diary. It has no restriction on sodium amounts. Many of the calories are derived from excess fat, processed foods and sugar. Unfortunately, serving sizes are poorly understood by consumers. The sad outcome of this eating pattern is obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancers. Gluten-free options have become a popular choice. Typically, celiac 18
SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • May 2021
disease or gluten sensitivities were the reason for this eating pattern, but claims of weight loss, gastrointestinal benefits and autoimmune disease relief have prompted so many to avoid wheat, barley and rye. Disadvantages may be lack of fiber, weight gain and lack of nutrients. Keto diets are a popular fad, claiming weight loss, lowering triglycerides, blood pressure and cholesterol by consuming mostly proteins and fats, and cutting the amounts of carbs. Along with decreasing carbohydrate intake, one can lose fiber, nutrients and even minerals. When in a state of ketosis, one may have less hunger due to fat and protein consumption. Eating unhealthy fats, especially saturated fats, is not a good option when elevated cholesterol may be a reason to choose this eating pattern. Some people claim up to 10 pounds of weight loss a month. A keto diet should not extend more than 3 months due to extreme amounts of fats and lack of carb nutrients like fiber. Kidney and heart damage may occur with these restrictions. Paleo includes lean meats, seafood, eggs, oils, fruits, low-starch veggies, seeds and nuts, but not grains, legumes, diary, sugary foods, processed foods and salty types of food. Many nutrients are lacking from the foods omitted and costs for this diet can be expensive. It is a
