It truly is a SAD diet. I don’t eat much personally, so I can take food home from a meal out and it’s two more meals for me. I realize many people are eating the entire thing in one sitting. I’m accused of eating like a bird, but I’m pretty sure I’m eating the way a human should eat.
Health conditions caused me to do my own research, so I learned to try to avoid processed foods and I attempt to eat fresh as much as possible. But it wasn’t always that way, and I was much less healthy before I learned.
We certainly do have one of the most, if not THE most, unhealthy diets in the world.
Hi Dakota, thank you for your comment and I like how you came to your own balance point. Good Habit: taking food home for later. It's so important to not overeat just because the food is in front of you. thanks for sharing
After our short (compared to your experiences) time abroad, I realize a lot of what you shared. With all the good food we ate in Europe, India & Israel, we did not gain weight and that is attributed to a lot of walking as opposed to driving everywhere, not snacking & eating food that was not processed.
The intersection of culture and politics is increasingly evident in how government public health policies influence food culture. While culture often shapes our culinary traditions and dietary habits, the role of politics, particularly through public health initiatives, cannot be overlooked. Government regulations, nutritional guidelines, and food safety standards are critical in shaping what is accessible, affordable, and deemed healthy for the population. These policies not only reflect the values and priorities of the governing bodies but also have a significant impact on the evolution of food culture over time.
For example, the introduction of the food pyramid by the USDA in the early 1990s significantly influenced American dietary patterns, promoting certain food groups over others. Similarly, more recent initiatives, such as the push for organic labeling or the taxation of sugary drinks, demonstrate how political decisions can steer public consumption habits, thereby reshaping cultural norms around food.
Moreover, public health campaigns aimed at reducing obesity, promoting sustainable agriculture, or addressing food deserts are often deeply intertwined with political agendas. These campaigns can lead to a shift in public perception, where certain foods become symbols of health and others are seen as detrimental, thus influencing cultural practices around food consumption.
In this sense, politics and culture are not just interconnected but perhaps inseparable when it comes to food. The policies implemented at a governmental level can lead to significant cultural shifts, making it essential to consider both when analyzing changes in food-related behaviors and traditions.
My recent favorite is a very unstable right wing commenter on here we both know and have been harassed by claims the “food pyramid” is a good argument against trusting the government, as opposed to an illustration of how right wing interests and capitalism can corrupt well-intentioned governmental efforts.
We have always moderated our intake. We try to eat according to the mediterranean diet and watch our portions. We stay as far from processed foods as we can (You really can't avoid everything), you eat from the outside aisles in the supermarket. Mostly fresh veggies, lean meats and fish. Yes we have chocolate and desert, but that too in moderation. Exercise daily by the way is essential as well.
Those snack foods are not welcome in our home. No potato chips, etc. sodas are relegated to maybe 1 a day (you can't deny everything, then you will bing). But it's mostly water. (well the adults get a glass of wine)
Yes, Americans eat too much and they eat incorrectly. But blame that on the government that changed the food pyramid in the 1970s removing all good fats and opting for carbs instead. The country never recovered, even when it was fixed.
Also the American way of life is very different and very busy so it's easier to grab fast food on the go. Also add in, that for many people it is still cheaper to grab a piece of pizza than buy salad in the supermarket. The healthy food is way more expensive than the junkier kind and when food prices are skyrocketing it doesnt leave alot of people much choice. (People don't realize that even if the initial outlay is more for the healthier food, moderating your portions and eating better will satiate your hunger and you will eventually want to eat less too.)
It truly is a SAD diet. I don’t eat much personally, so I can take food home from a meal out and it’s two more meals for me. I realize many people are eating the entire thing in one sitting. I’m accused of eating like a bird, but I’m pretty sure I’m eating the way a human should eat.
Health conditions caused me to do my own research, so I learned to try to avoid processed foods and I attempt to eat fresh as much as possible. But it wasn’t always that way, and I was much less healthy before I learned.
We certainly do have one of the most, if not THE most, unhealthy diets in the world.
Hi Dakota, thank you for your comment and I like how you came to your own balance point. Good Habit: taking food home for later. It's so important to not overeat just because the food is in front of you. thanks for sharing
Kenden
Great post, Kenden.
After our short (compared to your experiences) time abroad, I realize a lot of what you shared. With all the good food we ate in Europe, India & Israel, we did not gain weight and that is attributed to a lot of walking as opposed to driving everywhere, not snacking & eating food that was not processed.
Thanks for your insight,
Joan
My experience also while traveling. Walking, no snacking and no processed foods are key habits! Thanks for commenting.
Interesting to see how differently countries are impacted by obesity. What is the influence of culture and what from politics?
https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/global-obesity-rates/
The intersection of culture and politics is increasingly evident in how government public health policies influence food culture. While culture often shapes our culinary traditions and dietary habits, the role of politics, particularly through public health initiatives, cannot be overlooked. Government regulations, nutritional guidelines, and food safety standards are critical in shaping what is accessible, affordable, and deemed healthy for the population. These policies not only reflect the values and priorities of the governing bodies but also have a significant impact on the evolution of food culture over time.
For example, the introduction of the food pyramid by the USDA in the early 1990s significantly influenced American dietary patterns, promoting certain food groups over others. Similarly, more recent initiatives, such as the push for organic labeling or the taxation of sugary drinks, demonstrate how political decisions can steer public consumption habits, thereby reshaping cultural norms around food.
Moreover, public health campaigns aimed at reducing obesity, promoting sustainable agriculture, or addressing food deserts are often deeply intertwined with political agendas. These campaigns can lead to a shift in public perception, where certain foods become symbols of health and others are seen as detrimental, thus influencing cultural practices around food consumption.
In this sense, politics and culture are not just interconnected but perhaps inseparable when it comes to food. The policies implemented at a governmental level can lead to significant cultural shifts, making it essential to consider both when analyzing changes in food-related behaviors and traditions.
My recent favorite is a very unstable right wing commenter on here we both know and have been harassed by claims the “food pyramid” is a good argument against trusting the government, as opposed to an illustration of how right wing interests and capitalism can corrupt well-intentioned governmental efforts.
But it seems that politics can have an influence on our eating behaviour.
https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/10/28/home-or-readymade-french-restaurants-forced-to-reveal-food-sources
We have always moderated our intake. We try to eat according to the mediterranean diet and watch our portions. We stay as far from processed foods as we can (You really can't avoid everything), you eat from the outside aisles in the supermarket. Mostly fresh veggies, lean meats and fish. Yes we have chocolate and desert, but that too in moderation. Exercise daily by the way is essential as well.
Those snack foods are not welcome in our home. No potato chips, etc. sodas are relegated to maybe 1 a day (you can't deny everything, then you will bing). But it's mostly water. (well the adults get a glass of wine)
Yes, Americans eat too much and they eat incorrectly. But blame that on the government that changed the food pyramid in the 1970s removing all good fats and opting for carbs instead. The country never recovered, even when it was fixed.
Also the American way of life is very different and very busy so it's easier to grab fast food on the go. Also add in, that for many people it is still cheaper to grab a piece of pizza than buy salad in the supermarket. The healthy food is way more expensive than the junkier kind and when food prices are skyrocketing it doesnt leave alot of people much choice. (People don't realize that even if the initial outlay is more for the healthier food, moderating your portions and eating better will satiate your hunger and you will eventually want to eat less too.)
Everything you write makes sense. It's sounds like you have found a good balance!
Thanks
Everything you write it true. Thanks for your comment