The SAD Truth About the SAD Diet

How Our Food Choices Are Failing Us!

They call it the Standard American Diet (SAD), but sadly, it’s a pattern that’s taken hold right here in South Africa too. High in refined carbs, processed meats, sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in fresh produce — it’s no wonder it’s earned the nickname SAD. And truthfully, it is sad — because it’s costing people their health, their energy, and in many cases, their quality of life.

South Africans are following the same dangerous trend

The numbers don’t lie:

• More than 31% of South African adults are obese, and 68% are overweight (Discovery Vitality, 2024).

• Women are disproportionately affected — over two-thirds are overweight or obese, compared to a much lower proportion of men. Young people aren’t spared, either: more than 30% of girls aged 15-19 already fall in that category.

• Roughly 1 in 4 adults is living with hypertension, while 13 million South Africans are estimated to have some form of arthritis or chronic joint pain (Arthritis Foundation of South Africa, 2023).

• Our rates of Type 2 diabetes have more than tripled since 1990, largely due to diet and inactivity.

• And in 2023, researchers found that 70% of South Africans eat fewer than two servings of fruit and vegetables per day (HSRC study).

When we eat mostly refined, fried, or packaged foods, our bodies respond with inflammation, sluggish metabolism, and hormonal imbalances. Over time, that inflammation becomes chronic — showing up as arthritis, muscle pain, digestive issues, fatigue, and weight gain that just won’t budge.

The ripple effect of poor diet on lifestyle

A poor diet doesn’t just affect your waistline. It affects how you move, sleep, think, and feel. Chronic pain and low energy levels make it harder to stay active or social. Over time, it chips away at your independence, your confidence, and even your joy.

Many people try to manage these symptoms with quick-fix solutions — painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or sugary “energy” drinks — but these only mask the problem and have a negative impact on their systems. The real issue lies in how we nourish our bodies daily.

A balanced lifestyle makes the difference

Rebuilding health starts with balance — real food, gentle movement, rest, hydration, and natural support. A nutrient-dense, whole-food diet full of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like avocado!) helps reduce inflammation and supports joint and muscle function.

Physical activity — even light stretching, swimming, or walking — increases mobility and strengthens circulation. Together, these habits create a foundation that no pill can replace.

In the End… It’s About Choices

Every meal, every product, every habit is a choice — and each one shapes the quality of your life. The SAD diet is a trap that leaves many feeling defeated and dependent on medication. But a balanced, natural approach can bring back vitality, confidence, and joy.

Your body deserves better than standard. It deserves extraordinary!

Why natural topical solutions matter

When chronic pain or inflammation has already set in, topical support can make a huge difference — especially for those who can’t tolerate oral medication. Clinical studies of drug-free topical gels show measurable pain and stiffness relief in conditions such as osteoarthritis, without the risks associated with oral painkillers.

And local research backs up the potential of nature: South African studies on avocado seed extracts reveal potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offering biological plausibility for their use in natural topical pain relief. These findings show that nature provides tools we can harness — safely and effectively — to support healing.

Choosing better, not faster

Of course, “natural” doesn’t automatically mean effective — some online “miracle” hacks (like mixing avocado seed with rubbing alcohol) have been debunked by researchers. But well-formulated, evidence-backed natural remedies can complement lifestyle changes and provide real relief.

That’s exactly why we’ve developed our range of avocado seed-based topical pain-relief products — created from nature, validated by science, and designed for people who want relief without compromising their health.

A Healthier Tomorrow Starts Today

The truth is, our bodies are remarkably resilient — they just need the right support to do what they’re designed to do. By choosing real food, active living, and natural remedies that work with your body, not against it, you give yourself the best chance at lasting wellness.

If you’re already living with pain, stiffness, or inflammation, there’s hope beyond pills and quick fixes. Our avocado seed-based pain-relief products are designed to ease discomfort naturally while supporting your body’s own healing process.

🌿 Explore our range of natural topical solutions - because you deserve to move freely, live fully, and feel like yourself again. When your body moves freely, your life opens up — and that’s what health should feel like!

*Research

• Review summarizing clinical and preclinical evidence for herbal topical pain relievers and non-opioid topical agents. PMC+1

• South African–Focused Statistics

Area	Stat	What It Shows / Why It’s Powerful
Adult overweight/obesity	Almost 50% of adult South Africans are overweight or obese (data from HSRC — over 34,500 households). hsrc.ac.za	It’s not a small group — half the adult population is already dealing with weight issues, which ties directly to the SAD diet.
	Over two-thirds (≈ 67.9 %) of females are overweight or obese; much lower among men. hsrc.ac.za+2The Citizen+2	Gender differences are big — helps show who is more vulnerable, and it lets you speak to women particularly.
Children & Adolescents	About 13% of children aged 6-14 are overweight or obese. EWN	Shows it’s starting early — the diet & lifestyle issues are affecting young people.
	Among females aged 15-19, 31.3% are overweight or obese; for males same age, ~9.6%. UNICEF	Teen years are critical — habits form here and health consequences can follow.
	Overweight/obesity in children aged 5-19 rose from ≈ 9% in 2000 to 21% in 2022. UNICEF	The increase over time gives urgency — if things continue, more burden on health and quality of life.
Cost to healthcare system	Overweight & obesity cost SA’s health system R33 billion/year (≈ 15.38% of government health expenditure). News24	These are not just personal costs (pain, mobility, quality of life) but also societal/economic costs. Prevention/natural-approach is worth investing in.
Chronic pain / joint issues	In a study in Tshwane, 41% of patients at primary health care facilities report chronic pain; joint pain is part of that. South African Family Practice	Ties directly to mobility, joint health, how the SAD diet contributes to ongoing pain.
	Osteoarthritis (OA) in older SA adults is very common: 55-82% prevalence among people over 65. My Dynamics