Healthy Eating and Wellness 1
Healthy Eating and Wellness
Prior generations knew little about the effects of poor diets, but today it is clear how essential healthy eating is to our quality of life. While past generations did not have the science and technology we now have to tell us what we should be eating and what the foods we do eat do to our health, they were, however, healthier than we are (Kim, McGonagle, Stafford). The irony of this is that eating well was actually more difficult for past generations because they did not have the plenty that currently exists (Kim, McGonagle, Stafford). Beginning with the Baby Boomers and through to today, the American population, and actually the entire world, has had more food than it can, or should, consume (Kim, McGonagle, Stafford; Lappe, Collins, RossetEsparza). Moreover, the link between food and health and the need for a balanced and good quality diet is far better understood by current generations (HHS). Yet, current generations are getting more obese and suffering from more obesity-driven diseases, such as heart disease and Type II diabetes, than prior generations (Rafkin). In effect, while we have more and better quality foods available to us, while we are better educated about how our health depends on our diet, we are eating worse than past generations.
Our poorer eating habits are causing us to suffer problems in ways unknown by past generations (HHS; Rafkin).Children and teens are now facing heart disease, high cholesterol, and Type II diabetes (a metabolic disorder once called “adult-onset” because it only appeared in people over 40; it is not Type I, or “juvenile” diabetes which is an auto-immune disease normally only seen in children) (deCruz, Phillips, Visch Saunders; Rafkin). Adults are also suffering far more from these purely avoidable diseases, heart disease and Type II diabetes, than prior generations of adults have (HHS; Must & McKeown). Also, even if a person has already been diagnosed with heart disease or Type II diabetes, a change in diet can often improve their health and extend their lives and well being (McClelland; Mayo Clinic). The key to good health, improving health, and maintaining health lies in diet and nutrition, or, simply put, healthy eating can cure or prevent many illnesses and conditions and is much easier to do than to take medication or undergo treatments throughout life.
While Americans have the knowledge, foods, and other tools they need to eat more healthily, that does not the process is easy, however. Eating well takes effort, self control, and dedication. Americans are surrounded by junk food and supersized servings continually. Fast paced lives and the near universal decline of the family dinner and constant restaurant dining have created a generation that has no idea about portion control and feels it lacks the time to eat a healthy meal (Scripps Staff). Also, eating well, such as buying organic foods, can be expensive and many Americans, especially as oil prices drive food prices up, cannot afford to eat well (Di Costanzo). Many studies have shown that it is more costly for families to buy vegetables and fruits than it is for them to buy and eat processed and junk foods (Parker-Pope). But the costs of a poor diet may end up being more, so it may still be less expensive for Americans to eat well.
To assure a healthy future and better lives Americans must commit to take charge of their diet. The USDA provides a helpful guide for Americans through its food pyramid. The pyramid helps Americans learn about the different food groups and can help Americans structure their diets by educating them on the different food groups, why they are important, and the risks in overindulging in some food groups (USDA). For example, the meats and beans category describes which foods in this group are better choices and shows how to make selections that are healthier, as do each of the food groups in the pyramid. However, the guide is nothing more than a guide and has been confusing for many Americans (Frontline). Also, when considering the cost of food, Americans need to learn that the serving size of fruits, vegetables, and grains compared to that of processed foods, may actually mean that the healthier foods are less expensive (Reed & Frazao). Also, when locally grown foods are purchased, this may further decrease the costs of a good, healthy meal.A healthy diet, one that lowers the risk of disease, improves health, and helps to save money, therefore, is very attainable for the majority of Americans.
Also, as previously indicated, the costs of not eating a healthy diet are far greater than the supermarket bill can be. It is estimated that the costs of poor nutrition and diet, as measured by the medical costs associated with treating obesity, heart disease, Type II diabetes and associated illnesses consume approximately 9% of all medical care expenditures or $93 billion per year (Herper). Obesity is the primary health risk for all Americans today (Willingham). However, obesity is not the only health care risk people with poor diets face. Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and it is the only form of diabetes directly caused by poor diet and obesity (Katz). Heart disease is also a common problem caused by poor diet (Hitti). But a poor diet also leads to lack of educational attainment for children, blindness due to vitamin deficiency, and asthma (Chatterjee; Gonzalez). There are far more illnesses, disorders, and health consequences caused by poor diet then there are reasons why people have poor diets.
Perhaps this fact can inspire people to take action and act for their own health and that of their families. To begin with, people need to think of eating well as carefully as they think about other life choices. Eating well does not just happen; people have to make it happen. People must realize that they need to understand what foods they should eat and what quantities of food they can eat. Just as balance is important in all areas of life, it is also important in diet and nutrition. People need to plan their meals and make plans for what to do when their days do not proceed as they had planned. Instead of jumping into the nearest fast food establishment people need to carry nutrition bars with them or make sure they plan good quality nutrients, such as nuts, some whole grains, and peanut butter or other good quality proteins with them to help them satiate their hunger without destroying their diets. At the supper market people need to take the time to read nutrition labels, consider the serving size of foods, the amount of salt, sugar, and fats in foods, and base their decisions to buy on such considerations. Parents also need to practice what they preach to their children. Parents often tell children to eat well, but do not raise their children by showing them what a well balanced meal is and what proper portion sizes are. People also need to eat food when they are hungry, not eat food when they are bored, such as in front of the television or when they have nothing else to do. This is a habit that can be changed by finding something else to do or by simply substituting drinking water with eating food. Just these simple changes can help Americans a great deal.
A good diet not only is important to prevent future medical problems, but is also a good way to improve one’s mood, energy, and quality of life (WebMD). Eating well can easily help improve one’s self confidence because it provides a sense of accomplishment in being able to overcome all the poor choices Americans face, if for no other reason. The improvement in health and the freedom from potential diseases is immeasurable as is the savings to people’s bank accounts. There is no doubt about the importance and benefits of eating well. The only question remains why aren’t American’s doing it.
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