Eating Habits in America

It is true that more and more Americans are becoming interested in healthy eating. But still for most of the population, nutritional quality of food is not a priority when it comes to food choices.

Most Americans don’t eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables. They consume less milk and eggs than they used to, but eat more meat, poultry and fish. Besides American diet remains very rich in fat.

Americans love their snacks. According to recent studies, almost 20 percent of all daily calories consumed by them comes from snacks. Half of younger adults skip breakfast on most days, a quarter goes without lunch, and home-cooked dinners are becoming the exception rather than the rule even among families with young children. Working men and women often eat their meals away from home. Junk food, pizza, take-outs and frozen dinners are the preferred choices of those with busy lifestyles.

Fast food usually consumed by Americans is fast to prepare, cheap and tasty. But it is also high in fat, sodium, calories, sugar and cholesterol. Its negative heath results are obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer.

McDonald's is a major symbol of the United States lifestyle and culture. But in fact, the idea of a fast restaurant meal has completely changed eating habits and is referred to as McDonaldization. Almost a generation ago, about three quarters of meals eaten by Americans were home made, but these days more and more people prefer fast food restaurants to home made food; mainly because its quick, cheap and tasty, and American families do not have enough time to cook up a full meal at home.

As a result America is facing a national epidemic of obesity. It is a state characterized by an accumulation of weight that is often caused by incorrect eating habits combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity now is recognized as a national health threat in America as it is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases.

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