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New data shows fewer people are eating in a way they consider healthy, and some even don’t like it.
“In some cases, we’re still seeing the vast majority of people say they enjoy the meal,” said Andrew Dugan, consulting principal investigator at Gallup. “But the decline is pretty drastic.”
In the research, Published by Gallup on TuesdayFind out what people from over 140 countries think about food, including how healthy they think it is, how much they enjoy what they eat, and how much choice they have when it comes to food. We have collected data regarding.
Globally, 81% of people will say they have enjoyed a meal in the past week in 2023, down from 87% a year ago. The survey also found that about 75% of people said they mostly eat healthy meals, but by 2022 this will increase to 82%.
The data shows that, particularly in the United States, the percentage of people who feel they eat mostly healthy foods has fallen from 83% in 2022 to 71% in 2023.
Researchers have not yet determined why healthy eating and food satisfaction are on the decline, but enjoying food is key to other aspects of a good and happy life, Dugan said. said.
Eating good food is the gift that keeps on giving, Dugan said.
Eating food that you feel is healthy and satisfying is associated with other indicators of positive evaluations of life, such as social connectedness and feeling part of a community, he added.
“People who are satisfied with food are also, for lack of a better expression, satisfied with many other aspects of their lives,” Dugan said.
That connection also appeared in the data. Young people in Western countries report lower satisfaction with their food and the options available to them, and similar age groups also rate their lives at lower levels than older people, he added. .
As nutritionist Natalie Mocari puts it, ignoring the “satisfaction factor” of food isn’t helpful if you’re trying to eat in a way you think is healthy, she says.
“When you finish a meal feeling satisfied, you’re much less likely to snack on something else,” said Mokali, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It’s very important that food satisfies you both physically and mentally.”
Both what you eat and how you eat can influence how satisfied you are with your meal, Mokali says.
It’s important to consider all the nutrients you need in your diet, such as fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, but it’s also important to determine whether you need a sauce on top to enjoy it, she added. .
Data shows that food affordability and accessibility are major barriers to enjoyment and satisfaction, Dugan said.
When planning your meal’s groceries, Mokali recommends finding affordable staples that you can find satisfying and enjoyable ways to eat. For example, canned beans may be a low-cost way to make your meals a little more filling.
In our busy lives, it can sometimes feel like we don’t have access to nutritious and satisfying foods, so prioritize your time to plan and prepare your favorite foods that will give you the nutrients you need on hand. she added.
“Having options for a satisfying meal will prevent you from searching for something and being disappointed when it doesn’t taste as good,” says Mokali.
Then, put down your phone before settling down and enjoying your meal.
Many of her customers are “less satisfied when they are distracted while eating,” she said. “Often, people eat and watch TV at the same time, scroll on their phones, or eat quickly while running, none of which maximizes dietary satisfaction.”
Of course, competing for time and attention is normal and part of life, she said. But if you can, make the event out of the food, she suggested.
The social element of coming together over a meal is a big part of the Mediterranean diet, which is consistently rated as one of the healthiest ways to eat.
Mokali recommends making a conscious effort to set aside at least 10 minutes of your workday to eat. That approach means putting down your phone and letting your fork rest between every bite. Pay attention to color, texture, taste and smell, she said.
“Try to be serious about the food itself,” Mokali said. “Even things like taking your lunch out, buying a new plate or a new bowl, and getting something that makes you look forward to the meal more can contribute to meal satisfaction.”
