We’re drinking more soft drinks, eating less fresh foods, and we’re more likely to eat take-out right there at the restaurant where we bought our meal.
And, nowadays, we’re simply more accustomed to seeing expanding waistlines.
These are some of the findings of the NPD Group’s "Annual Report on Eating Patterns in America."
Frankly, most of the observations are mighty discouraging. For instance, as the summary points out:
- "We are more likely to see carbonated soft drinks included in our diets today for all meal occasions, and less likely to see toast.
- "In 1985, the percentage of people who say that they would like to lose at least 20 pounds was 54 percent. Today, that percentage stands at 61 percent. Surprisingly though, there is no comparable increase in the amount of people on a diet today, versus those on a diet in 1985 (25% then and now)."
Thank goodness, the discoveries weren’t totally disheartening:
- "In 2004, 75 percent of adults said they were trying to cut down or eliminate fat from their diet, and 61 percent said they were trying to add more whole grains."
- "People have traded in their health concerns, from sodium back in 1985, to trans fat today."
You can’t dismiss these findings, because the NPD Group’s well-regarded annual "Eating Patterns in America" tracks daily consumption habits of hundreds of thousands of Americans, using data from more than 40 NPD databases involving consumers, manufacturers and food retailers.
And guess who uses the information in this book? Leading food manufacturers and restaurant operators in America.
So guess what we’re going to get now? More products reflecting these mostly horrific American habits, minus a few positive exceptions.
What are people thinking when they cast off fresh foods, clamor for soda and eat take-out right there at the eatery? They’re certainly not focused on their health!
Rather, they’re thinking about convenience and cost. (Ah yes, I used to be driven by those factors once myself. Phew. Thank goodness, I’ve changed my errant ways.)
Please, all of you concerned consumers out there — and there must be millions of you — cast your vote by eating fresh foods (preferably organic), spurning fast-food places, and going for quality rather than quantity.
Then, the next time the NPD Group does one of its yearly reports, their findings will force food companies to offer more healthy choices — as they’re beginning to do now, by responding to the desire for whole grains — alas, these allegedly healthy foods generally come packed with sugar, too, though.
Still, I’ve gotta think positively. That’s how I keep going.
Want help to kick sweets and refined carbs? Join my free, online KickSugar support group, which turns 3 years old next month. Anyone is welcome! We just urge you to keep an open mind to the joys and pleasures you’ll get from cutting out the quickie-carb crap. I believe that you’ll find my group to provide a warm, nurturing, inspiring environment.
By the way, we have an awesome Assistant Moderator — that’s Myra Pinkham — my right-hand woman. And we have a savvy nutrition consultant, too, who can answer some of your pressing questions. Join us now!