“How many people really care about the quality of their food these days?”

“Do restaurants care what they serve us, or have we become so disinterested in our health that we let complete strangers dictate what is nutritious?”

“What has happened to eating a square meal?“

In my practice, I see people who are overweight, but underfed: eating a lot of food, but nothing with real nutrition. What’s going on? Why are we eating more than ever, but getting sicker and sicker?

Many of you reading this were taught, as I was in the 50’s, that a “square meal” was a balanced meal, meaning a variety of food was on our plates. Breakfast would include protein, a starch, and fruit, while lunch or dinner was an average portion of meat, veggies, a single serving of bread, and a drink meant to provide substance and nutrition. Meanwhile in 2009, just like in 1950, you still need to eat a well-rounded meal so that you have the energy to get up and put in a full day of “work”. This may include taking the kids to karate, attending a softball game in the afternoon, checking on grandma at the nursing home, and spending quality time with the family before going to bed. That takes energy, and energy comes from good quality food. So, are you eating for energy? Is anyone eating well anymore?

In the interest of time and busy schedules, we have traded square meals for convenience, and – I believe – our health. Some of you will argue that fast food places where you can drive through and get your meal are providing the public with “square meals”. It doesn’t take long to figure out if you are getting a square meal when you go out to eat at a typical fast food restaurant. People line up with trays of double meat cheeseburgers, french fries, and diet sodas. So what is the nutrition content of such a meal? This meal offers you saturated fat, simple starches, and Aspartame (I’ll get to the Aspartame issues in later columns) which will provide lots of calories but zero fuel for energy. If you choose a salad from their menu, can you even pronounce the words in the ingredient list? The nutritional value of fast food is questionable at best – it will fill the tank, but the engine – your body - won’t be able to do much sustained work. To answer my earlier question, I vote “no” on getting a square meal here.

So again I ask you – do you care about the quality of food these days? Do restaurants care about what they serve us, or is it more about making a profit? It is shockingly apparent that we have forgotten what real food tastes like. Many restaurants have convinced us we don’t even know what food is supposed to look like anymore. Rumor has it that it’s okay for humans to eat sickly-looking white iceberg lettuce, shredded mystery cheese, and slabs of rubber meat-looking substances.

If you want to experience good health – lots of energy from morning till evening, clear and focused thinking, shiny hair, strong bones, vitality – then get back to the habit of making the time to sit down and actually taste and enjoy quality food. Choose eating establishments that offer freshness and variety over speed and dollar burgers. A good example of a nutritious noon or evening meal will include a salad using a variety of salad greens, meat that isn’t processed and overcooked, and vegetables that are colorful and lightly steamed. Remember that color, variety, and texture offers the most in vitamins, fiber, and plenty of long-lasting energy! It is still possible to get a square meal after all – you simply have to know first what you are looking for.

As the author and creator of Window to Wellness, I promise you lots of good tips and information on total health that includes nutrition, physical activity, and spiritual balance. You are in charge of your health. You make choices everyday that affect your health and wellness. Be an educated decision maker!

Wellness is a journey – come along with me and learn how to enjoy the view as a more informed participant.