Prevent Disease.com - We Know the Facts, But Do We Practice Them?



		We Know the Facts, But Do We Practice Them? Many of us understand what it takes to eat and exercise to maintain healthy diets. Most of us are aware that fruits and vegetables are the healthiest of all foods. We know that steaming vegetables is the most nutritious way to whip up meals for our families. But are we following this knowledge? Unfortunately, many of us don't apply such tips and information to our own lives. Nearly three out of four of us say that if the food doesn't taste good, we won't eat it, no matter how healthy and nutritious it is. And we'd rather zap our dinners in microwaves than steam them. So say results from a new survey that indicates personal accountability for health is at an all-time low in this convenience-driven, time-constrained society. 'Obsessed' The random-sample study from Yankelovich, Inc., a marketing research firm in Chapel Hill, N.C., gives readers plenty to think about as they analyze how well they are carrying out their weight-loss, eating and exercise programs. "We are obsessed with processed food, junk food and quick service restaurants," said Steve Bodhaine, the company's group president. "When it comes to food preferences, taste and convenience trump nutritional balance. Consumers need food companies to offer tasteful, convenient foods that help make dieting more of a lifestyle and less of a punishment." In Yankelovich's Food for Life Study, 44 percent of consumers in the scientific poll believe they are solely responsible for the healthfulness of their diets. Yet, they remain apathetic to their unhealthy behaviors without convenient and enjoyable food options. "Over half of consumers don't usually plan their menus for meals at home," Bodhaine said. "Rather, they follow their cravings or use whatever they have on hand. If this is true, there is a real cause for concern." Knowledge not translating into action Yankelovich's study provides unique insights into how Americans view dieting, weight loss and health. For example, the results show: Freshness in people's determining whether foods are healthy, but 60% buy frozen or processed products for at-home meals. Although 66 percent ranked steaming as the healthiest cooking method and microwaving the least, microwaving was the second most frequent method of preparation in the home. The least used? Steaming. While they say that fruits and vegetables are the top two foods that make for a healthy diet, 60 percent say they don't eat enough fruits and nearly half say they don't consume enough vegetables. Four out of five consumers believe food companies should develop healthy and better tasting foods. Forty percent cannot find what they believe are healthy and nutritious foods in their favorite restaurants. But a majority of the people polled gave kudos to Wendy's, Subway, Applebee's and McDonald's for "particularly good jobs" offering healthy and nutritious food options. Bodhaine said the survey presents a unique opportunity for food companies and restaurants. "Indeed, 44 percent of adults claim they are willing to pay up to 20 percent more for good tasting, healthy and nutritious food," he said. "Companies that help consumers make better food choices will win a loyal following." More articles on Healthy Eating Reference Source 140 May 11, 2006 For more information on how to prevent other diseases, use PreventDisease.com's "Quick Prevention Resources".