Fewer People Are Eating in a Way They Consider Healthy, and They Don’t Like It
Fewer people around the world are eating in a way they consider healthy, according to new data from Gallup. The research, published Tuesday, found that globally, 81% of people said they enjoyed their food in the past week, down from 87% the year before. Additionally, about 75% of people said they ate mostly healthy foods, compared to 82% in 2022.
In the United States, the percentage of people who felt they ate mostly healthy foods dropped from 83% in 2022 to 71% in 2023. Researchers are not yet sure why healthy eating and food satisfaction have been on the decline, but enjoying food is key to other aspects of good, happy living.
Eating food that is considered healthy and satisfying is connected to other indicators of a positive life rating, including feeling socially connected and part of a community. Younger people in Western countries reported less satisfaction in their food and the choices they have available, and a similar age demographic has also rated their lives at a lower level than their older counterparts.
Experts say that ignoring the “satisfaction factor” of a meal is not helpful if you are trying to eat in a way you find healthy. When we end a meal feeling satisfied, we are less likely to engage in mindless snacking. Both what you eat and how you eat it can contribute to how satisfying you find your meal.
Food affordability and accessibility are also huge barriers to enjoyment and satisfaction. Researchers recommend trying to find affordable staples that you can find fun ways to make satisfying, such as canned beans. Prioritizing carving out time to plan and prepare food you like that will give you the nutrients you need on hand can also help.
Finally, putting down your phone before you settle in and enjoy your meal can make a big difference. Experts recommend being intentional about taking even 10 minutes out of your workday to dedicate to your meal, and engaging with the meal itself by paying attention to the color, texture, tastes, and smells.