Healthy Living: What We Know & What We Do

tidbits that tantalizeWow - That's A Great Question...

Are these really our best and brightest?

It seems a bit like scientific research based on the Jay Leno "Man in the Street" methodology. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) recently interviewed 1,000 US adults about their dietary habits. The results were less than encouraging and point to a gap in people's knowledge and their actions - it's the age-old, "Do as I say, not as I do" syndrome.

While 90% of those surveyed agreed breakfast is important, only 49% consistently eat this early morning wakeup meal. On the positive side, 84% said they were physically active at least one time per week. On the "I'll never lose these dang love handles" side, only 44% actively balanced diet and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. (It is believed, however, the other 56% watch additional weight loss television commercials when they are dieting...)

Are we confused about health? Well...

While both polyunsaturated fats (fish and whole grains) and monounsaturated fats (nuts, avocados and vegetable oils) are healthy, roughly 40% of respondents reported trying to cut down on them. Additionally, a meager 11% knew the number of calories they should consume to maintain a healthy weight level. Hmm...

So, there you have it, America. Jay Leno would be proud...

To read more about the study, see this from Reuters. To read more about health and nutrition, see this from IFIC, or this from the American Dietetic Association.