The ’90s brought with them a variety of trends, some of which have long been left behind. However, one food habit from 1992 continues to have a significant influence on many people's lives. According to Dr. Michael Aziz, a physician and author of The Ageless Revolution, this habit is wreaking havoc on our energy levels. Eating an excessive amount of carbohydrates disrupts our blood sugar levels and drains our energy. Back in 1992, the US government released its first version of the food pyramid, which placed bread, cereal, rice, and pasta at the base, recommending six to 11 servings a day. This pyramid structure remained in place until 2005. Dr. Aziz pointed out that this encouraged a focus on low-fat diets, which may not be the healthiest choice. Healthy fats from nuts and avocados, for instance, play a crucial role in maintaining our energy, while an overconsumption of carbs leads to energy crashes. "What really depletes the body of energy is having too much sugar in the body, having too much refined carbohydrates. You get that spike of sugar and you feel energized, but then, before you know it, your energy drops," he told The Post. He added that including healthy fats like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados in our meal plans gives us more energy, especially when it comes to exercise. Studies show that people who eat fat before working out can have more energy to work out at the gym. And after the gym, having carbs like a banana is beneficial.The Criticism of the Carb-Focused Food Pyramid
At the time of its release, the carb-focused food pyramid was already facing criticism. The issue was that all fats were grouped together in a single spot on the pyramid, but not all fats are the same. Saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and lead to heart diseases, while monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat does not have the same effect. "The food guide pyramid that was developed in 1991 really is based on the idea that all fat is bad. Therefore [if] fat is bad, and you have to eat something, carbohydrate must be wonderful," Dr. Walter Willett told Frontline in 2004. He continued, "This pyramid is really not compatible with good scientific evidence." Even though the US government's guidance was updated in 2005, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health nutrition expert David Ludwig believes they did not do enough to correct public perceptions. "In the absence of this corrective process, public health harms persist, with the low-fat diet remaining deeply embedded in public consciousness and food policy," he wrote for CNN. "The science of nutrition is complex. But we know that the low-fat diet of the last 40 years didn't work."Other Ways to Boost Energy
While balancing our diet is the most reliable way to keep energy levels stable, Dr. Aziz also mentioned that vitamin D can be helpful, especially during the winter when it gets darker earlier. Other supplements such as various forms of vitamin B and CoQ10 may also make a difference. Coffee, green tea, and other caffeinated drinks are also good in moderation, as long as we don't overdo it. These are additional ways to give our energy a boost and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
