Food Talk: Are we eating healthy?

QUESTION: There seems to be so much information about diet available. I wonder if we are really eating a more healthy diet?

ANSWER: I have to tell you “yes” and “no.” The American Dietetic Association just released findings of a nationwide survey about trends in nutrition. The findings may surprise you.

In the last five years, the number of people claiming they maintain a healthy diet and regularly exercise increased from 38 percent to 43 percent. Those stating diet and exercise is very important but have taken no action to make these a part of their lifestyle increased from 30 percent to 38 percent. Those who feel diet and exercise are not important decreased from 32 percent to 19 percent.

There appears to be a movement away from the “don’t care, don’t bother me group.” That is definitely progress. Look at the numbers again. Forty-three percent were eating healthy and exercising.

Women are more likely to eat healthy and exercise than men. A rather sad finding was younger adults were much less likely than the older adult to consider diet and nutrition very important. The young adult did consider exercise to be important as did the older adult. As education levels advanced so did the concern for diet and nutrition.

Of those not willing to change their diet, the reasons given were they were satisfied with the way they ate and did not want to give up their favorite foods. This has not changed much in the last 10 years.

An average of 75 percent of those surveyed knew of low-fat foods and foods containing trans fats. Allergen-free and probiotics were on the bottom of the knowledge scale. Foods and nutrients of which people were most likely to increase consumption were low-fat foods, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, less sugar and less salt. More than half had increased their consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Ninety-four percent of all surveyed agreed whole grain bread is more healthy than white bread.

The most popular source of nutrition information was television and magazines. The Internet source is on the increase.

It seems we are making some progress. Many consider this progress as “baby steps” to the problem. Regardless, they are steps in a direction thought to be healthy. I just wish we could reach more of the young adults and perhaps prevent health problems before they occur.

For more information about any nutrition issues, please call Ellen Jones, registered dietitian, at (479) 549-2425.