Gobble Gobble

For any of you who have spoken with me for more than 5 minutes in the last few weeks, you've probably heard this- so tune out.  For the rest of you- tune in.  

A few weeks ago in my evolution class we were talking about adaptation.  We learned that stone age hunter gatherer humans ate a diet of 65% lean meats and 35% fruits and veggies.  

Now, the modern American eats 55% cereal grains, milk, sugar, and sweeteners, 28% fatty meats, eggs, etc., and 17% fruits, veggies, and nuts.    

So what gives?  Well, ever wondered why you like sugar and fat so much???  The majority of our hunter-gatherer ancestor's diet consisted of lean meats and little sugar, BUT, they acquired a taste for fatty meats and sugary foods as an evolutionary mechanism to increase fitness.  If you could acquire such foods you increased your fitness because fats and sugars are so full of energy.  

THEREFORE, while it was desirable for hunter-gatherers to seek sweet and fatty foods, it was difficult.  We on the other hand have adjusted our environment to where it is easy as cake (no pun intended) to acquire fats and sugars; In-n-Out anybody!  This adjustment has occurred so quickly (on an evolutionary time scale) to the point that we've retained the cravings for fats and sweets from our ancestors; or in other words, baggage.

In conclusion, I invite all of you to throughly enjoy your deep-fried turkey, candied yams, and pumpkin pie- ITS IN YOUR BLOOD.  Enjoy the day- and if you must, combat the cravings the rest of the year.