Changing lifestyles and new eating habits
Americans today have different eating habits than they had in the past. There is a wide selection of food available. They have a broader knowledge of nutrition, so they buy more fresh fruit and vegetables than ever before. At the same time, Americans purchase increasing quantities of sweets, snacks and sodas.
Statistics show that the way people live determines the way they eat. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the food industry compile sales statistics and keep accurate records. For instance, red meat, which used to be the most popular choice for dinner, is no longer an American favorite. Instead, chicken, turkey, and fish have become more popular. Sales of these foods have greatly increased in recent years. This is probably a result of the awareness of the dangers of eating food that contains high levels of cholesterol, or animal fat.
It is more than likely that an unhealthy diet can damage people’s health.
According to a recent survey, Americans also change their eating patterns to meet the needs of different situations. For example, they choose pasta, fruit, and vegetables to give them strength for physical activity. Adults choose foods rich in fiber to prepare them for business appointments. For romantic dinners, however, they choose shrimp and lobster.
Americans’ awareness of nutrition, along with their changing tastes and needs, leads them to consume a wide variety of foods - foods for health, for fun, and simply for good taste.
GLOSSARY:
compile: compilar
pattern: modo; padrão
accurate: exato
“It’s more than likely that an unhealthy diet can damage people’s health”, means that
