The quality of Americans’ diets has declined since last year. From fruit and vegetable consumption to exercise, and even smoking, Americans are reporting worse habits than this time last year.
A Gallup poll of 1,000 Americans that was released last week reveals the 55.9 percentage of Americans reported eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables at least four days out of a week. Last May, the poll found that number to be 57.8 percent.
The poll concluded that produce intake is specifically down among Hispanics, young adults, seniors, and women compared to 2024.
In 2024, 68.2 percent of people said they “ate healthy all day yesterday.” This year that number dropped to 66.2 percent. That percentage translates to 4.5 million less Americans eating healthy this May.
The number of American smokers has increased since last May. The poll concluded 20.2 percent were smoking in 2024 compared to today’s 20.8 percent.
While smoking has increased, those who said they exercised for at least 30 minutes three times in the last week has decreased from a 53.6 percent to 52.9 percent.
These results also have found that overall adult health habits have declined in each of the past three months when mirrored against 2024. These results are coming during the month that typically signals the beginning of a healthy American season. May tends to start the up swing of healthy adult behavior. As the season changes more options become available for healthier choices.
While the stats are disappointing, there are several things people can do to change the trends in their own life.
Specifically with fruit and vegetable consumption, many options are present. Replace the meat serving from a meal with a vegetable option. There are several vegetarian options that are delicious and they will up the vegetable intake with ease. When eating out, ask for a salad as your side. It’s an easy option to supply your body with the nutrients it needs. Also try picking out new fruits and vegetables while at the store. Possibly even make it a challenge to try something new each week. This breaks up the monotony and may lead you to a new favorite. Another option is to have fruit for dessert. Fruit can easily satisfy a sweet craving with far fewer calories.
Fewer Americans are choosing healthy choices this year, these easy tips can make a huge difference. Here’s to a better poll in 2024!
Via msnnbc
Also Read: