Why do Americans enjoy eating fatty foods?

Question

Is it part of the local culture and community.
Is it possible to train them to eat healthy food or can we accept this anti-social behaviour???

Answer 1

When we were mostly hunter gatherer societies, energy was expended in getting the food we needed. Eating fats was a quick source of energy. Biologically we're programmed to eat in the plentiful season so that we can make it through the lean seasons. The problem is that in today's societies do not expend enough energy to justify the food we eat and the lower a person is on the socioeconomic scale, the most affordable foods are the fattiest, starchiest. Can we educate people so that kids again go outside to play? Can we create safe places for kids to play? Can we produce fresh foods in enough abundance to be affordable by all? If we think globally - act locally can we make it happen?

Answer 2

Why do you generalize? I have heard all Brits don't know how to cook flavorful foods but I would never assume that is the norm. or even the truth.
It isn't so much that people enjoy fatty foods, it is what is available and cheap. Do you think Mcd's and KFC and Taco Bell etc don't know what they are doing. Of course they do. There are many people that are not educated. One would think that being such a wealthy country everyone would know better. But people don't know better.
The food is very cheap. For under $5.00 one can get a meal at a fast food restaurant. Wealth is not equal here. Not everyone can afford to buy organic or such. I grow my own berries but many people in cities can't afford to buy them in stores.
BTW fat does taste good, that is why I said the fast food restaurants know what they are doing. And who ever said it was addicting is right, the body comes to expect certain things.
Anit-social behavior? That is taking it a bit far. It is the culture to eat at fast food. The advertisements are bombarding people. I really think this was a bit far off when you asked this question.
The thing is I don't know what your culture is just as you don't know mine. It is NORMAL here to eat this way. Americans in general don't understand why other countries peoples think we are pigs. People live how they see others live.
You really need to learn some culture.

Answer 3

No all Americans enjoy eating that food - I don't and I know quite a few others who don't either.
It has been researched and proven that many additives and chemicals in processed foods are addictive - especially the high fructose corn syrup. I think that's why many people get hooked on chips, cookies, pretzles or the like and cannot give it up. Sad but true. (Granted, it takes some will power too!...I won't let people get off *that* easily).
But to answer your big question, the fatty foods taste good. Who doesn't enjoy eating brownies a la mode?! Lay's chips? Movie popcorn slathered in faux butter? Candy? Cupcakes? etc.etc.

Answer 4

It is both, local culture and community.
Have you noticed that ever corner has at least 3 fast food
rest.???? No wonder we eat too much fatty foods.
Our kids grow up know what McDonald's is before they
can read, why is that?
All we can do is try to help our family, friends understand
too much of a good thing is bad, and always, always eat
this stuff in moderation.

Answer 5

Its addicting and after your body gets used to eating those things it craves it. Many people are so busy they lack the time to cook a healthy meal and settle for fast food or foods that are unhealthy at restaurants and pre-made foods at the supermarket that are convenient and fast. Its a lifestyle and people need to slow down and allot time for good foods. Many people that do choose those foods realize that they are unhealthy but feel that they do not have the time to change there habits or they just prefer those foods over other things.

Answer 6

everybody not just Americans like fatty foods, because they taste good.
people are in such a rush now and both parents are working, thus the old fashioned cooking and eating habits of the world are changed to much unhealthier choices for convenience.
There are lots of ways to combat this problem, if people would do it, but it is so easy to grab anything rather than put the efort into making it from scratch....
The increase in obesity is alarming as well as the increased number of heart attacks and colon cancers.....at earlier ages...

Answer 7

I think Americans like eating fatty foods because they are easy to get to (McDonalds), and are satisfying. I think it is possible to train people not to eat fatty foods, but that would mean more organic foods and less fatty ones.

Answer 8

because Americans have not been taught moderation in generations. we want lots of food for cheap and we want it now. which is why we are all fat. my husband and i went to the UK for our honeymoon. They have fast food there, but it is very few and far between... only mcd's, bk, pizza hut, and KFC. and not so easy to come by. our entire trip we saw maybe 10 (medically) obese people. Within 20 minutes of returning home, we saw that many.... it's a cultural difference. different things are valued...

Answer 9

Not all Americans do.
I think I'm pretty healthy.:/

But it's because they've gotten into a bad comfort zone with their eating habits.
Fast food&stuff like that is easy, filling, and addictive.
They just let themselves have it w/o restrictions.

Answer 10

Most don't care about their bodies , it's not really a culture thing but their lifestyle. If they would take the time to slow down and plan their meals . They would be healthier.