People’s eating habits are inevitably transforming due to changing living conditions and access to more varied food. However, society is currently experiencing an obesity crisis, which is especially true in the United States. Many people eat poor-quality food and have little physical activity, which leads to weight gain and the development of diseases. However, while many Americans will strive for healthy eating, they simply do not have access to healthy food options. This may be due to the high availability of unhealthy foods, as well as marketing trends in the food industry. Food choices in the US are influenced by factors such as the food environment and food companies interests.
Food environment and the most accessible food options are the basis of food choice. In particular, Powell et al. report that today’s young Americans do not plan their meals. Their food choices are based on ideas of spontaneity, convenience, variety and accessibility. This situation is motivated by the fact that many people are currently not ready to spend time preparing food, but do not have access to ready-made healthy food options (Zepeda 114). This circumstance suggests that the food environment has a significant impact on people’s food choices and is characterized by a limited access to healthy options.
Food choices can also be motivated by marketing or the popularity of certain foods. For example, most Americans believe that fat is associated with negative health and weight effects (Herman et al. 97). In particular, they are sure that animal fat is harmful to the body, while vegetable fat is beneficial. However, these prejudices do not correspond to scientific knowledge and ignore the benefits that animal fat brings to the body. Thus, the food choices of many modern Americans are motivated not by the evidence and recommendations of professionals, but by the trend towards the rejection of animal food.
Many people have access to a variety of food options, while some are limited to unhealthy food choices. This may be due to the characteristics of the food environment or social factors. However, the influence of these factors is of key importance in determining the food choices of Americans, which is especially relevant for young people. Modern society tends to eat more convenient food that is already cooked. These choices are not always healthy and can also be shaped by marketing trends in the food industry.
Works Cited
Herman, Peter, et al. Social Influences on Eating. Springer International Publishing, 2019.
Powell, Patricia, et al. “Food Choices of Young Adults in the United States of America: A Scoping Review.” Advances in Nutrition, vol. 10, no. 3, 2019, pp. 479-488.
Zepeda, Lydia. Bad Choices in Our Food System. Cambridge Scholars Publisher, 2021.