August is National Wellness Month, a time to pause and reflect on what truly keeps us healthy. While wellness trends often grab headlines, such as cold plunges, wearable tech, and meditation apps, there’s one element that quietly underpins them all: nutrition. The food on our plate shapes how we feel, perform, and even how long we live. Yet, despite knowing this, many Americans still struggle to make the connection between diet and overall health.
The State of Nutrition in America
Here’s a reality check: the United States is facing a chronic illness epidemic, and poor diet is one of the main culprits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in ten adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. Four in ten have two or more. These conditions are now leading causes of death and disability in this country. The astonishing reality is that many of these conditions are largely preventable.
What’s even more alarming is the trend among younger populations. Diseases once thought of as “age-related,” like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are showing up in millennials and Gen Z.
The reason? Highly processed foods, excessive sugar intake, and a lack of nutrient-rich options in daily diets.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 70% of the American diet comes from ultra-processed foods and beverages. These foods are engineered for convenience and taste but often stripped of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Why Don’t We Have Clear Data on Nutrition?
Here’s something surprising: for a country that spends billions on health research, the U.S. lacks robust, centralized data on nutrition and its long-term health impacts. We have studies, yes, but most are fragmented and observational. Unlike prescription drugs, which undergo rigorous trials, diets and eating patterns lack standardized testing or uniform guidelines backed by strong longitudinal data. This gap leaves consumers in the dark, trying to piece together advice from influencers, diet trends, and food marketing campaigns.
It’s no wonder confusion reigns. Is fat good or bad? Should you cut carbs or embrace them? Do plant-based diets outperform high-protein plans? The truth is, nutrition is not one-size-fits-all, but some basics are universal: whole foods, balanced meals, and moderation.
The Real Cost of Poor Nutrition
Bad diets aren’t just a personal health issue. They are an economic burden. The National Institutes of Health estimates that diet-related chronic diseases cost the U.S. healthcare system hundreds of billions of dollars each year. Beyond dollars, the cost shows up in lost productivity, diminished quality of life, and shorter lifespans. In fact, a 2019 study published in The Lancet found that a poor diet is responsible for more deaths globally than smoking!
What Can We Do About It?
For Millennials who are health-conscious, this isn’t about jumping on another fad. It’s about returning to the fundamentals and understanding that food is more than fuel. It is a form of preventive medicine.
Unfortunately, while most Americans claim to know how to eat right, more than half failed a basic quiz on dietary facts. There has been so much contradictory information about nutrition over the years that it’s no wonder we’re confused.
Luckily, there is a solution: The Eat Well, Feel Great Nutrition Program provides the real facts on nutrition. Armed with the facts, you have a path to wellness based on good nutrition. During National Wellness Month, the first two lessons are free, so you can get started risk-free.
The Bigger Picture of Wellness
Nutrition doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Sleep, exercise, stress management, and mental health all intersect with what you eat. A diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can boost energy for workouts, improve mood, and even enhance sleep quality. Conversely, a poor diet can sabotage your wellness efforts across the board.
This National Wellness Month, take a moment to evaluate your relationship with food. Are you eating to truly nourish your body, or just to get by? Small, sustainable changes in what you put on your plate today can create ripple effects for years to come.
Wellness starts with nutrition. And right now, with chronic illness on the rise, there’s never been a more critical time to take it seriously. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start by getting the real facts about good nutrition and making one better choice at a time.
Get your two free lessons of the Eat Well, Feel Great Nutrition Program
Author Bio
Dr. Brad Kristiansen is a chiropractor and nutritionist who has helped thousands of patients improve their health and wellness through personalized nutrition programs.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Innate Wellness products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. This article is general information, not medical advice — consult your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant or have epilepsy, a bleeding disorder, a pacemaker, or other electronic implants.
