Haven't we been focusing on America's problem with nutrition for years now? We know we have an uphill battle with the war on obesity, and malnutrition. The rising costs of health care are also a reflection on the obesity problem, and it's starting younger and younger. It seems intuitive that knowledge is power, but not in this case.
A recent gallop poll showed the number of Americans getting the recommended number of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables at least 4 times a week has actually dropped in recent months. It has gone from 57.8% in May of 2010 to 55.9% in May of 2011. So clearly the messages are not being received.
I think we can find a number of reasons for the drop including higher costs of food in general, lower costs of fast food (think dollar menu), and a simply busier day. Many times eating right takes more time and money than the alternative.
But, what if people just don't see the value in it? What if there is no belief that if I incorporate these changes into my diet it will change anything. The common misconception with behavioral change is the overestimation of the costs and underestimation of the value. How do we get Americans to understand small changes like getting your recommended 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables can actually change the course of many diseases like diabetes, cancer, and many others? The ironic thing is, you don't even have to cut out the foods you like, just add a salad, or a cup of fruit. Watch out though, you might just find when you add the good stuff, your not as needy for the junk.
Just try it for 4 days, see what you think, you might be giving yourself added years. Think of the family moments you'll be included in, weddings, graduations, births, and first steps. Is it worth it to you?
No comments:
Post a Comment