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The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation just released the results of their 2012 Food and Health Survey. And the findings are both alarming and disheartening.
Although a surprising 9 out of 10 respondents self-reported their health as good or excellent, only about a quarter would characterize their diet as healthful. Meanwhile, 55 percent of respondents also reported that they are trying to lose weight – a significant increase from last year’s 43 percent.
And it’s no wonder Americans are in the grips of an epidemic of overweight and obesity! Only 15 percent of survey respondents were able to accurately estimate the number of calories they need to maintain their weight, and 77 percent are not meeting government recommendations for daily physical activity.
Compounding the issue, only 30 percent of Americans seem to realize that all sources of calories play an equal role in weight gain! Many respondents falsely believed that calories from sugar, carbohydrates, and fat are more likely to cause weight gain than those from other sources.
This erroneous belief is leading the majority of Americans (67 percent!) to try to include “as little fat as possible” in their diets. A frustrating side effect of misinformation and misunderstanding, respondents were even seeking to avoid heart- and brain-healthy mono-unsaturated fats.
And perhaps unsurprisingly, 60 percent of Americans consider protein when buying foods and beverages, and most report trying to consume more. Maybe they should consult some of the many endurance and strength athletes who are easily meeting their protein requirements (not to mention kicking butt!) on a whole foods, plant-based diet.
Overall, Americans are frustrated and confused about government and industry messaging. 76 percent of survey respondents reported that ever-changing nutritional guidance makes it hard to know what to believe. Thus, when it comes to making decisions about food, consumers today rely on their own research rather than expert opinions. Unfortunately, that research is not leading to well-informed or health-promoting food choices.
Image Credit: monkeyc.net, sk8geek/Flickr
Great article! There is a ton of misinformation on the web regarding nutrition. Extreme dieting is dangerous and does NOT produce lasting results. Leading a healthy life, contrary to popular belief, does not have to be difficult, complicated or expensive.
A registered dietitian is the best place to go to get the facts regarding food and weight loss. Dietitians have been trained how to read the research (correctly) and use only science based methods. Additionally, they can personalize and tailor nutrition counseling to meet anyone’s needs. If you’re serious about your health, talk to a dietitian!