Over half of Americans—52 percent, to be exact—have concluded that
figuring out their income taxes is easier than knowing what they should
and shouldn’t eat to be healthier, according to the International Food
Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s 2012 Food & Health Survey.
The survey was conducted from April 3rd to April 13th
of this year and involved 1,057 Americans aged 18 to 80. Survey results
found that people do spend a great deal of time thinking about the
healthfulness of their diets and do want to make improvements, but that
76 percent of those surveyed agree that ever-changing nutritional
guidance and trends make it extremely challenging to know what to
believe.
When it comes to making decisions about food, people are increasingly
reliant on their own research rather than third-party experts or
institutions. Over half of those surveyed reported having given a lot of
thought to the foods and beverages they consume and the amount of
physical activity they get (actual percentage measurements were 58 and
61 percent, respectively). However, only 20 percent say their diet is
very healthful and 23 percent describe their diet as extremely or very
unhealthful, while less than 20 percent meet the national Physical Activity Guidelines.
The survey also found that 90 percent of Americans have given at
least a little thought to the ingredients in their food and beverages.
Those surveyed said they are trying to eat more whole grains, fiber and
protein, while cutting overall calories, sugar, solid fats and salt.
Overall, this study seems to hint at a touch of frustration when it
comes to being healthy in America, brought on by too much bad
information, or perhaps just a collective feeling of being overwhelmed.
However, all of the above also shows great potential—and desire—in our
population to be healthier; all that’s needed is a little more of the
right guidance, persistence and patience.
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