Does it really surprise you? 

After learning that 60% of the United States will be obese by 2030, nothing seems to phase me anymore.

Only 1 in 10 Adults Get Enough Fruits or Vegetables

We have a health crisis. Some might even call it an epidemic. 

Interestingly enough, the CDC doesn’t think this is enough of an issue to bring to the attention of the American people, in a similar fashion the COVID-pandemic was handled.

Eating fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of many diseases and death, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

Despite these positive health benefits, very few adults meet the recommendations.

Only 9% of adults are eating the recommended amount of vegetables and 12% of adults ate the recommended amount of fruit, according to a CDC analysis of data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Results show that consumption was lower in men, young adults, and those with lower incomes.

The study also found variations by state.

As an example, adults meeting fruit or vegetable recommendations ranged from 6% in West Virginia to 16% in Washington DC.

There were no significant differences between various races or ethnic groups in meeting the vegetable recommendations, however, in 10 states, a much higher percentage of people who were Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black did meet the recommendations for fruit intake than did people who were non-Hispanic White.

This is most definitely a cultural difference. 

More than two-thirds of children and teens’ diets consist of ULTRA-processed foods, a study by JAMA found.

Ultra-processed foods include frozen foods, sugary snacks and beverages, and takeout or delivery meals that often are high in added sugar, sodium, and carbohydrates and low in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, according to the American Heart Association.

Staying healthy and in shape should be a priority for everyone, because there is a direct link between the foods we consume and the impact it has on our mental health, another common health struggle for many.

Trying to lose weight? It’s not as hard as it should be! Check out these tips and tricks to slim down without even trying!