Evolution of the Modern Diet
Over time, we have grown increasingly disconnected from our food and the environments in which it is grown. This disconnection has resulted in poor food choices, leading to the development of various chronic health conditions such as anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, systemic inflammation, and diabetes, among others.
So, how did we reach this point? And how did we transition from being hunter-gatherers to becoming consumers of processed foods?
There are six significant milestones that have contributed to the degradation of our food supply and our current disengagement from our body's natural wisdom:
The Agricultural Revolution: This marked the shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a greater reliance on farming for sustenance. The transition to farming also led to the formation of larger cities as more people congregated in these areas.
The Introduction of Refined Sugar: Refined sugar emerged in the 1600s as a luxury enjoyed by the wealthy. Initially, the average person consumed only a few pounds of sugar per year, but today, the average consumption has skyrocketed to around 150 pounds annually.
The Industrial Revolution: With the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, more individuals migrated to larger cities where fresh, nutrient-dense food was not always readily available. Food processing became necessary to prevent spoilage during transportation from farms to urban areas. Unfortunately, as shelf life increased, the nutrient content of the processed food decreased.
The Rise of Big Food: The rise of major food corporations occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Unfortunately, many of these companies prioritized profit over nourishing the population. Modern food became highly palatable by incorporating excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and fat to entice consumers.
The Chemical Revolution: The chemical revolution, which emerged around the start of World War II, had a significant impact on our modern food supply. Certain food products like Goldfish crackers, granola bars, and juice pouches were created during this period, forever changing the way food is produced. Chemical compounds initially developed for manufacturing bombs were repurposed as fertilizers and pesticides on farms.
The Digital Revolution: The digital revolution, the most recent milestone, has influenced our eating habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, work routines, and overall lifestyle in ways that may not align with our body's best interests. For instance, electronic devices affect our sleep quality and distract us during meal times, hindering us from making optimal choices for our bodies.
So, what can we do to reconnect with our food?
Here are several ways to cultivate a stronger connection to the environment, promote health, nourish our bodies better, and foster connections within our families and communities:
Grow your own food: Consider starting small with a herb garden or expand to a backyard garden, community garden, homestead, or organic farm.
Support local farmers: If you are unable to grow or gather food yourself, support those who do. Source your food as locally as possible by going to your local farmers market and support businesses that prioritize local sourcing.
Make family meals a ritual: Rediscover the joy and significance of cooking and eating together as a family. Make it a tradition to turn off electronic devices and instead engage in conversation, laughter, and express gratitude while sharing a meal around the table.
Although these actions may appear small, they can have a profound impact on our personal health, well-being, as well as the wider society and the Earth itself.
