Gerald Moore thought he was healthy and it would never happen to him.
"When I first got the news, I was shocked. I thought it would never hit me. My mother and father both have diabetes. I didn't think I would be next," Moore, a 44-year-old Lawn Analyst, said. "Luckily, mine was found early, so it can be controlled by diet and exercise."
Moore said he was surprised to be diagnosed with borderline diabetes and high blood pressure a year ago due to obesity.
"I thought I was eating fine," Moore said. "I didn't know it was that unhealthy."
Before being diagnosed with diabetes, Moore said his diet consisted of a lot of steak, burgers and pork with some vegetables.
"Now, I eat red meat once a week, maybe twice. It's usually just a hamburger," said Moore.
According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine Network, consumption of meat, particularly red meat, is associated with increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Moore's profession requires him to visit various properties, both private and commercial throughout the day to assess the grounds. He said it can take an effect on his eating habits.
"Grabbing a burger sometimes is just more convenient," said Moore.
A study done by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health was featured in the Archives of Internal Medicine (now JAMA Internal Medicine) in 2012. The study was done over a course of more than 22 years. It looked at how increasing the daily recommend serving of red meat by one 3 oz serving could present a 12 percent greater chance of dying.
Researchers suggested using nuts as a healthier alternative to red meat, vegetables, chicken, fish or whole grains.
"Their mix of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber will help you feel full and suppress your appetite," Judy Caplan, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said. "The combination of fiber, protein and fat in nuts provide satiety to meals ad snacks, making them an excellent option for weight management."
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that nuts are used as a substitute for other foods in the diet because "they are calorie-dense." Adding nuts with the traditional diet, including saturated fats, could be "break the calorie bank."
"This is based on a ratio that shows a lower risk than other substitutions," Randy Buddington, Professor of Health and Sports Science at the University of Memphis, said.
Buddington said he is concerned that there are sources beyond red meat that may contribute to the results of the study. He recommends it show more details towards the lifestyles of those being surveyed, as it may also contribute to the study's conclusion.
"Nuts are a great source of both protein and heart healthy fats," Mary Schallert, Director of Didactic Program in Dietics at the University of Memphis, said. "You really get a lot of 'bang for your buck' with nuts. Lots of calories, coming from healthy fat and protein along with powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals."
Among specific causes of death cited by the study, the corresponding increases in risk of eating more red meat were 18 percent and 21 percent for cardiovascular mortality, and 10 percent and 16 percent for cancer mortality. These analyses took into account chronic disease risk factors such as age, body mass index, physical activity, family history of heart disease or major cancers.
"As meat consumption goes up, so does caloric intake, but physical activity goes down. In terms of consumption, as meat intake goes up, so does alcohol, but diet components considered as beneficial go down," Buddington said. "Nut consumption didn't differ among individuals that ate different amounts of beef."
Buddington said although there could be other factors, he found the study beneficial and interesting.
"It is not just protein, red or otherwise, but what is also eaten," Buddington said. "My wife and I try to eat healthy, but include red meat in our diet."
He suggested the best routine to being healthy is exercise combined with a proper diet.
Shawn McKenzie, 23, who doesn't eat red meat for health reasons, gets most of his protein from chicken and pistachios.
"I drink a lot of water and I take in a lot protein since I exercise daily. I make a lot of fruit smoothies with a lot of healthy proteins and cereals in it to keep my diet balanced, a lot of carbs and some fruits," McKenzie said.
Carmen Merritt, 23, said she used nuts as a way to prevent her from snacking on less healthy options.
"I snack on nuts throughout the day, for dinner I usually pig out (on other foods)," Merritt, a senior in health and human performance with a concentration in dietetics, said. "I'm not perfect, I don't always eat the healthiest things, but I try."
According to the American Cancer Society , at least 2 cups of fruits and vegetables each day is needed to help prevent cancer. It is recommended to substitute low calorie, high fiber fruits and vegetables for higher calorie foods and snacks.
"It's healthier to eat fruits or nuts than Doritos, and I can pack it up and reach for them whenever I need them," said Merritt.
Merritt said she is very health conscious, a decision that she made after she chose her major and learned about her family's health history.
"I have a family issue of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity," Merritt said. "I choose to exercise more in addition to what I eat to decrease chances of getting those diseases."
According to PubMed Health, over 19.3 million Americans over the age of 20 are affected by diabetes. One of three of these Americans are undiagnosed.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, men ages 19 to 30 should eat 6.5 oz from the meat and beans group each day.
Andrew Cole, 22, a senior psychology major at the U of M, said he does not have the best eating habits. He said his daily diet regiment consists of "whatever is free at the time."
"I had steak, a 16 oz steak, two days ago," Cole said. "I think of being healthy as having regular exercise, eating healthy foods. I thought steak was a healthy protein."
