The
American Dietetic Association recently published
a report it calls an “environmental scan” that
identifies current and emerging trends important to dietetic
professionals. Giving thought to these trends may be helpful
for anyone trying to eat healthfully in our changing world.
LIVING LONGER LIVES
One major trend is the aging of the U.S.
population. As more of us live longer lives than did earlier
generations, we are likely to face more of the health problems
that usually occur in old age, like cancer and Alzheimer’s
disease. Yet “baby boomers” (those born between
1946 and 1964) are redefining our expectations of aging.
This generation expects to live healthy, active lives;
they seek
out health information aimed at promoting wellness, not
just treating illness.
Unfortunately, another major trend is in
direct opposition to those goals: obesity. Adult obesity
has doubled in the last 20 years, and barely a third of
today’s
adults are at a healthy weight. Because obesity leads to
increased diabetes, high blood pressure and certain forms
of cancer,
experts predict that these problems will likewise escalate.
These trends mean we need to reset our
nutrition priorities. According to the American Institute for
Cancer Research (AICR), a mostly plant-based diet is one of
the priorities for preventive nutrition, which means vegetables,
fruits, whole grains and beans should account for at least
two-thirds of what we eat.
But AICR and other experts emphasize that
good nutrition also means avoiding the excess portions that
are typically eaten today.
Exercise is another essential health goal.
Research shows that even frail, older people can get stronger
and healthier with appropriate regular exercise.
Finally, the yearning for lasting health
has created a vast market for nutritional supplements that
claim to promote youthful wellbeing. A whole new set of skills
is needed to evaluate their potential benefits and risks.
TRENDS IMPACT FOOD CHOICES
The ADA environmental scan also notes trends
that impact the food choices we make. Our population is growing
more ethnically diverse, introducing new foods and food customs.
And, as people spend more time at work and feel greater time
pressures, eating patterns are changing, away from three meals
a day to eating on the run and snacking. Reliance on restaurants
and take-out or convenience foods is booming.
Year-round availability of a wide variety of fruits
and vegetables is greater than ever, which makes the goal of boosting consumption
of those foods easier and more enjoyable. But when people grab food on the run,
vegetable consumption usually suffers. Diets low in fruits and vegetables lack
the natural phytochemicals that are now recognized as vital to good health. Experts
say we need to either find new ways to make quick home-based meals a common practice,
or make our take-out and restaurant meals more nutritious.
Another barrier to good health is a sedentary lifestyle.
Although research demonstrates how essential exercise is for emotional as
well as physical health, our lives are becoming more sedentary, both at work
and
at home. People are spending more time at work and report feeling more stressed
out, leaving less time and inclination to exercise. Equating being “busy” with
being active won’t work any more. We need to make time to keep active
every day.
Nutrition Notes is provided by the American Institute for
Cancer Research in Washington, D.C.
March
28, 2003
