It seems like everyone you talk to these days is trying to eat healthy, on a diet, or at least thinking about it. So why is it that the United States is the most overweight country in the world? Let’s take a look at some of the barriers that inhibit people from eating healthy.
Time
The average American family is so busy that having time to shop, plan, and cook healthy meals. Now that most families have two working parents it is much easier to hit the drive thru after a hard day’s work then come home and cook for the family.
America has become a society of convenience. There is a “microwave mentality” that everything has to be done quickly and easily – including our food. Many food items at the store are designed to be prepared quickly in the microwave, and are filled with processed ingredients that are not healthy.
Money
Many people believe that eating healthy is more expensive. In reality, it is much more costly to eat unhealthy foods. The average family of four who goes to a fast food chain will easily spend $35. That amount alone could buy fruits and vegetables for the entire family for an entire week.
Also consider the hidden health costs that come with poor diet. People who eat foods with high fat, sugar, and cholesterol are much more likely to get sick. Sick people have to pay for visits to the doctor, over the counter and prescription drug costs, increased insurance premiums, and lost wages. Those costs can add up to thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
Knowing what is healthy
Ask people what “healthy eating” is, and you are likely to get ten different answers. Everywhere you turn there are people proclaiming the virtues of eating fat free, low fat, low carb, gluten free, and more.
All of these mixed messages lead to confusion when trying to select the proper foods when shopping.
