Fewer than one in 10 Americans know how many calories they should be eating per day, according to the 2011 Food & Health Survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation. This yearly survey had several findings that show that most Americans are clueless about how they should eat to maintain or lose weight.
- Only 9% could accurately estimate the number of calories they should consume in a day for a person of their age, height, weight, and physical activity.
- Only 40% could estimate how many calories they burn per day.
Only 27% of those trying to lose weight counted calories. 70% instead changed the amount they ate or drank without tracking specifics. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of using a food and exercise diary. That is a success tool that many think they are too busy to use.
Food and Exercise Diary
While half of those surveyed thought they were moderately active, more than one in four of them were fooling themselves and did not get 150 minutes of moderately intense activity per week. 82% do not meet the physical activity recommendations, with many of those who are moderately active failing to include any strength training in their weekly activities.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
Walking was the most popular activity, with over 50% of those surveyed saying that they walked more frequently in their efforts to lose or maintain weight.
Quick Start Guide to Walking
Source: The 2011 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes Towards Food Safety, Nutrition and Health, International Food Information Council Foundation, May 5, 2011.
