Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Good Nutrition Wanted, Solid Guidance Needed

According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s 2012 Food & Health Survey, more than half of Americans (52%) have concluded that figuring out their income taxes is easier than knowing what they should and shouldn’t eat to be healthier.

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.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.

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