06/08/2026
3 Reasons Why Americans are less healthy today!
It's bright and early and I started thinking about this…
Why does it seem like Americans are less healthy than our forefathers?
Now, I know every generation had its own struggles. But when it comes to food, movement, and daily habits, there are three big things that have changed in a major way:
Our portion sizes got bigger.
Our food became more processed.
Our lifestyles became less active.
And honestly, that combination has done a number on our health.
Back in the day, people didn’t have unlimited access to supersized meals, snacks in every cabinet, fast food on every corner, and sugary drinks available all day long. Meals were usually simpler. Portions were more reasonable. Food was closer to the source. And most people moved more because life required it.
Today, we can eat more calories in one sitting than some people used to eat in half a day - and not even realize it.
Research has shown that food portions began growing in the 1970s, increased sharply in the 1980s, and have continued to grow right along with America’s waistline. That means what we now call “normal” is often not normal at all. We’ve been trained to overeat.
Then there’s processed food.
A large percentage of the American diet now comes from ultra-processed foods - packaged snacks, sugary cereals, frozen meals, fast food, desserts, chips, sodas, and foods designed to be quick, cheap, tasty, and addictive. These foods are often high in calories, sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats, and low in the nutrients our bodies actually need.
And let’s be honest - these foods are easy to overeat. They don’t always fill you up, but they definitely fill you out.
Then we add the third piece: we simply don’t move like we used to.
Many of our grandparents and great-grandparents worked jobs that required physical labor. They walked more. They lifted more. They gardened. They cleaned. They repaired things. They moved because daily life demanded movement.
Now many of us sit at desks, sit in cars, sit on couches, scroll on phones, and then wonder why our bodies feel stiff, tired, heavy, and unhealthy.
This is not about shame.
This is about awareness.
Because once you can see what happened, you can start reversing it.
The good news is this: you don’t have to go back in time to get healthier. You just have to bring back some of the habits that worked.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
Eat smaller portions.
You don’t have to clean the plate just because food is there. Slow down. Eat until satisfied, not stuffed.
Choose more whole foods.
Build more meals around lean protein, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, rice, oats, eggs, beans, Greek yogurt, fish, chicken, turkey, and foods that actually came from God’s green earth.
Limit ultra-processed foods.
You don’t have to be perfect, but you do need to be honest. If most of your food comes from a box, bag, drive-thru, or wrapper, your body is going to feel it.
Move every day.
Walking counts. Strength training counts. Stretching counts. Taking the stairs counts. Ten minutes counts. The goal is to become a moving person again.
Lift weights.
This is huge, especially as we age. Muscle is not just about looking good. Muscle helps protect your joints, metabolism, blood sugar, posture, energy, and independence.
Cook more at home.
You don’t need fancy meals. You need consistent meals. Simple wins: protein, veggie, smart carb, healthy fat.
Drink more water.
Sometimes we’re not hungry. We’re dehydrated, tired, stressed, or bored.
Create a healthier environment.
If junk food is always in the house, you’re eventually going to eat it. Make the healthier choice the easier choice.
Listen, we don’t have to accept poor health as normal.
Just because disease, fatigue, weight gain, and low energy have become common does not mean they have to become your story.
We can reverse this.
One better meal at a time.
One walk at a time.
One workout at a time.
One decision at a time.
Your body is still worth fighting for.
And as I always say - we set the pace, you get the results.
Let’s keep moving,
Nisan
PS. In my free Summer Sculpt group, this week's challenge is to shut off eating between the hours of 6-8pm if your schedule allows it. This is a powerful way to work on food consumption control. Join us!
HANDS UP LIKE A CHAMP!
Nisan and Yorelis
Co-Founders
