You Are What You Eat
It’s true—our bodies are largely made up of the food and drinks we consume. In that literal sense, we are what we eat. Yet for years, mainstream advice on healthy eating has been confusing and contradictory. Coffee was once discouraged due to caffeine, but is now considered protective. Meat and eggs have fallen in and out of favor. With such conflicting advice, many people have given up trying to eat healthily at all.
The consequences are staggering: over 60% of Americans and 65% of Mexicans are now overweight. The challenge is that healthy nutrition is complex—but fortunately, many research studies provide a reliable guide.
The Mediterranean and Traditional Mexican Diets
These diets emphasize high intake of:
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Beans
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Fish
- Vegetables
They also recommend minimizing consumption of beef, dairy, soda, candy, processed meats, and pastries. Think grapes, guacamole, nuts, and salads—not pizza, French fries, and doughnuts.
Scientific studies show that adopting a Mediterranean or Mexican-style diet can lead to noticeable health improvements in a relatively short time. By contrast, continuing to eat bacon cheeseburgers, sugary drinks, and baked goods increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Problem with GMOs
Eating healthy is harder today because much of our food is genetically modified. GMO grains like corn, soy, rice, and wheat—commonly used to feed livestock—are often treated with glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup®. This water-soluble herbicide has been linked to DNA mutations and an increased risk of cancer. One in four people now develops cancer, particularly in areas of heavy glyphosate use.
While GMOs can make crops more disease-resistant or herbicide-tolerant, they may weaken our immune system and disrupt hormone regulation. Researchers have linked GMOs to:
- Organ damage
- Infertility
- Birth defects
- Endocrine disorders
- Increased cancer risk
GMO crops were marketed with promises of better yields, nutrition, and flavor. But in reality, yields have declined, many small farmers have gone out of business, and flavor and nutrition have not improved. The once-vibrant family farm is now rare, and meat production is dominated by factory farms where animals never roam free.
What Can You Do?
Avoid GMO foods whenever possible. Choose natural and organic options. Return to simple, earth-grown foods. Combine this with a lifestyle that emphasizes movement, rest, hydration, and community.
There is growing evidence that the Mediterranean and Mexican diets—when paired with other healthy habits—can extend life, increase happiness, and reduce pain. Longevity matters, but not just in years—it’s about living a healthy, meaningful life.
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