Standard American Diet (SAD)

The Standard American Diet (SAD Diet), is one that has evolved over time in the United States.

It consists of highly processed, hormone and antibiotic-filled meats and dairy products, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. This diet is filled with with high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and would hardly be recognizable as food to past generations. Junk-food, packaged foods, food from vending machines, and fast-food have all become main components of this dietary approach and lifestyle. This diet is low in fiber and plant-based foods, and primarily based on convenience rather than nutrition. This type of diet is not recommended for anyone. 

An example of a typical day on this diet: 

  • Breakfast: muffin, coffee, orange juice

  • Snack: bagel and cream cheese

  • Lunch: meat sandwich with chips or fast food burger with fries, soda

  • Snack: candy bar or other vending machine snack

  • Dinner: meat, potatoes, bread, butter, maybe a vegetable

  • Dessert: ice cream or pastry

 Foods to include:

  • Starchy vegetables

  • Some high-sugar fruit

  • Refined grains

  • Meat

  • Cured meat

  • Poultry

  • Fish

  • Eggs

  • Beans

  • Dairy

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Oils

Foods to avoid: 

  • None

Pros:

  • Convenient

  • Allows more time to focus on family and relationships

  • Little preparation needed

  • Easy for busy people and travelers

Cons:

  • One of the most commons causes of major diseases like heart disease, liver dysfunction and cancer

  • May cause significant weight gain

  • May cause chronic fatigue, lethargy, and brain fog

  • May cause early death

 Source:

Standard American Diet www.askdrsears.com