Sometimes, the American population can have a bit of procrastination when it comes to their health. Half of them always say they’re going to start a new diet tomorrow but never do, according to a new study. Half get to it but maybe start to fall off a couple of weeks into it. Recently, a poll of 2,000 adults revealed that 57% are putting off starting a new diet—and one reason might be the plethora of options. The survey results found that of those who have experimented with their diet (72%), 76% believe there are an overwhelming variety of diet options, which might be why the average respondent has already tried nine different diets. But in good news, some of this trial and error might be coming to an end. This study was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Vitamin Shoppe, and the survey discovered that 73% believe they’re currently on the “right” diet for their body. We looked into this to learn more about why Americans are switching their diet tendencies. Keep reading for more!
Here Are the Top 5 Reasons Why Americans Are Switching Their Diet
And the same percentage of people said their current diet is beneficial for their overall emotional well-being. When asked why they started their current diet, here are some of the top reasons from respondents. Read what they said below.
- Managing their weight and keeping it on track
- Health concerns, improving muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular health
- To improve their mood and feel less, anxious, stressed, and/or depressed
- Lifestyle changes that can improve their overall health (this was the most popular reason)
- Wanting more energy overall
These respondents were also asked about their current diet plan. While 33% said none, in particular, 24% are currently vegetarians and 15% follow a plant-based diet. The survey dug specifically into plant-based diets, looking at what set respondents on this path—or what may be holding them back. Respondents who are currently on a plant-based diet or interested in trying one (1,501 respondents) shared what their motivating factors are. The top reason to try—or consider trying a plant-based diet—was revealed to be health concerns (45%), followed by improving their mood and weight management (both 41%).
“We’re on a mission to help educate those interested in a plant-based diet by offering credible information and resources, alongside an assortment of trusted, quality products, to support customers on their health journeys,” said Muriel Gonzalez. Of those not on a plant-based diet, 46% said they’re open to giving one a try, but they don’t know where to start. The top reason people listed why they haven’t participated in a plant-based diet was cravings for foods that are excluded from the diet (42%). There are incredible replacements out there that can truly mimic the taste of the products that you’d need to eliminate from this type of diet though, like plant-based cheeses and meal replacements that taste just like the real thing. Try them out before eliminating them from your diet and see if you can do a plant-based diet as well.
“Despite some common worries surrounding a plant-based diet, we encourage people who want to learn more to consider its advantages,” added Gonzalez. “A plant-based diet is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment and help keep food costs lower. To cover any potential nutrient gaps, supplements can be a smart addition to ensure any diet includes all of your essential vitamins and minerals.” This type of diet is so great for your health and can truly improve how you live your life day today. It’s not all about longevity, it’s about how great you feel every day as well.
Conclusion
When it comes to switching their diets, Americans are up for the change because they want to improve all aspects of their health and that starts with incorporating nutrition into their lives. They listed the following reasons for wanting to find a better diet for themselves: managing their weight and keeping it on track, health concerns, improving muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular health, improving their mood and feeling less, anxious, stressed, and/or depressed, better lifestyle changes, and wanting more energy. They are mainly open to trying a plant-based diet out but have some concerns. Their main concerns were that they didn’t have enough information about this type of diet. There’s a need to be filled with educating people about the plant-based diet so that they can better improve their diet and nutrition.
