Reference no: EM132273384

The typical American plate is filled with refined grains, foods with added sugar and fats, meat and poultry. Although lack of exercise plays a role, the growing obesity epidemic in the United States has a lot to do with what Americans eat. Not only does the American diet affect weight, but it also increases the risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. Knowing what makes up a typical American diet might help steer you in the direction of making which is actually within the recommendations for a healthy diet. Research also hints at a link between sugar and addictive eating. For instance, a 2012 study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that, of 81 obese people seeking treatment for binge eating, 57 percent met the criteria for food addiction. Foods that people were addicted to were high in fat and high in sugar.

Since we have a good (and accurate) list of what thing are typically included in the American diet, how does that compare to what is recommended? What are the general recommendations and how do those factors you listed relate?