07.01.08
The third annual Food Health Survey, conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, Washington, D.C., revealed seven overall contradictions, or “diet disconnects” between consumers’ beliefs and their own behavior. Topics discussed include food safety, calorie intake, diet and physical activity, breakfast, dietary fats, carbohydrates and functional foods and beverages. Among other findings, 88% of Americans report being physically active at least once a week, but 44% say they do not balance diet and exercise. Consumers are more aware of trans fats than ever (91%), but more than 60% don’t understand that unsaturated fats are healthful. Also, nearly 80% of Americans agree that consuming specific foods and beverages can provide certain benefits beyond basic nutrition, but 50% or more say they currently do not consume foods or beverages that deliver these benefits. However, most are interested in doing so.