We have a remarkable ability to distinguish between the calorie densities of different foods within the natural range. The traditional medical perspective on obesity suggests that all obese individuals share one common trait – they overeat. However, this refers to overeating calories, not food. Our innate desire to overindulge is selective, as we naturally crave sweet, starchy, and fatty foods due to their high calorie content.
Our ancestors evolved to seek out foods with the highest caloric value to maximize efficiency in hunting and gathering. Studies show that even four-year-old children prefer foods with higher calorie densities. This preference for calorie-dense foods is ingrained in our biology.
As we move towards highly processed and calorie-rich foods like bacon, cheese, and chocolate, our ability to differentiate between calorie densities diminishes. The food industry takes advantage of this by stripping foods of their fiber and nutrients, leaving behind calorie-dense products that exploit our biological vulnerabilities.
Animal products can be considered the ultimate processed foods, as they contain essential nutrients obtained from plants. By focusing on whole plant foods, we can get all the essential nutrients and fiber that are lost when plants are processed through animals. This shift back to a plant-based diet can help combat the obesity epidemic caused by consuming highly processed foods.
For more insights on the role of processed foods in obesity, check out the next video in this series. Remember to prioritize whole plant foods in your diet to achieve optimal health and weight management. Download the Daily Dozen checklist for free to help you stay on track with your plant-based diet. And if you’re looking to lose weight, consider the 21 Tweaks option on the app, supported by evidence in the book “How Not to Diet.” All proceeds from book sales go to charity.
