Is the reason Americans are getting heavier because they expend fewer calories in daily physical activities? In our automated world of push buttons for T.V. remotes, power car windows and locks, automatic washers, dryers, garage door openers and gas-powered and electric lawn mowers, is it not logical why we see this rapid rise in obesity over the last few decades?
There are some surveys that suggest that our caloric intake has consistently increased and our eating habits have changed. It has been shown that the more variety avialable in choices, the more will be eaten because the taste buds don’t get “bored”. There has been a vast increase in the number of new product varieties introduced into the market place, including snacks, candy, bakery products, high caloric items and rich tasting entrees. We consume more fatty and sugary food. Soft drink consumption increased by 60% between 1977 and 1998 including soda pop and fruit juices. Fluids quench thirst but not hunger, consequently, you will replace at least as much of the calories that you drank later on in the day with food.
Portion sizes have risen dramatically and research has proven that adults consume more when larger portions are served. It may be easier to eat less if meals were more basica rather than the delectable, ethnic cuisines prepared with lots of fat and enticing seasonings and sauces. Snacks need to be chosen more judiciously. The number of snacks and the type have changed dramatically in the last two decades. And finally, increased restaurant frequency has attributed to increase body weight. Physical activity is very important for weight control and overall fitness, curbing appetites and motivating individuals to keep in shape. However, the focus should definitely be more directly focused on calories taken in rather than on calories burned.
(Survery were conducted at Purdue University and Tufts University)
DID YOU KNOW THAT AMERICANS DRINK ANNUALLY PER PERSON APPROXIMATELY:
24 gallons of milk
26 gallons of coffee
32 gallons of beer
51 gallons of soda pop
