I’m also a nutrition nut and I speak from personal observation . We all know that inflammation is what causes the ageing process.
I’ve spent time studying Oriential medicine in Asia and I find that in their culture, the key is to be “cool” and avoid “hot” foods. It’s a concept that is foreign to Westerners. Well, coffee is simply very, very “hot” and causes internal inflammation (stomach upset,etc…). Just observe people who consume coffee everyday vs. those who don’t.
I won’t go into details but my diet is a modified combination of Calorie Restriction, Mediteranean (sans the carb), and Asian cuisine (sans white rice), with lots of herbs/spices but no added salt, sugar or refined/processed products.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a health evengelical. And socially, I’ll eat anything. I never proselytize because people don’t appreciate eating advice. Although I do have a bet going with a good buddy on his inability to loose weight(he claims he can). I’m waiting a few months to collect on my 500GB hard-drive, ha.ha 😉
Back to the economy… I think that there’s been a shift in our culture in the last 20 years. People have fancier kitchens but they cook less, and if they do, it’s the frozen and processed foods. I’m an observer of grocery baskets.
The chain restaurants that offer “value” (large portion), a theme and “reasonable” (but not luxury) prices will continue to do well regardless of the downturn (Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang, CPK, etc…) People will find money for that small escape. It’s easier to get rid of the SUV than diner out.
