What (and How) We Should Eat

What (and How) We Should Eat It is no surprise that with the increased popularity in fast food chains, America’s obesity rate has dramatically increased. In a survey done by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), obesity is the number two cause of preventable death, with approximately sixty-two percent of American adults overweight, up from thirty- two percent in 1994 (Profiling Food Consumption in America). In Susan Brink and Elizabeth Querna’s article “Eat This Now”, they discuss how this generation will be affected by increasing obesity rates. The increased rate of child and teen obesity shows that the average lifespan is predicted to drop from an average of 77 years to 71 years (“Eat This Now”). The way and what American’s are eating have harmful effects that can change people’s lives drastically. With the excessive numbers of calorie and sugar intake, people slowly conform to the unhealthy lifestyle. It is important daily to eat each food group, control portion sizes, and limit processed foods. There is a method to controlling eating with it still being enjoyable, and shrinking the waistline. The first step is to be informed. To live a healthy lifestyle, it is important to be informed on what the average person should consume. A popular chart, known as the food pyramid gives a guideline to the intake by category on what portions should be eaten daily. According to the USDA’s 2010 dietary guideline it is vital to consume up to two to three cups of fruit and vegetables, three to four ounces of whole grain, five to six ounces of proteins, three cups of dairy, and five to seven teaspoons of oil (fats) (Food Group Overview). Do not forget about the water! Any easy way to remember what and how much needs to be consumed is shown on a plate chart created by the USDA. One should fill half of their plate with vegetable and fruit, and the other half with proteins and grains with a side of milk. As impossible as it may seem, meeting these requirements