When looking at the foods commonly eaten in America, you might think of meats like ham, sausage, and steak, along with combos of fries and cola, and the huge amounts of hamburgers or pizza, greasy donuts like Krispy Kreme, and calorie bombs like Costco hot dogs.... It mostly brings to mind junk food.

Recent studies have shown that Americans consume far more calories daily than the recommended adult intake of 2,400 kcal.

Continuously consuming such high calories naturally leads to an increase in obesity rates. In fact, the United States is one of the countries with the highest obesity rates in the world, closely related to excessive calorie intake.

Still, you might wonder why American food is so high in calories?

The reason is >> the portion sizes are huge.

One of the biggest characteristics of American food is that the portion sizes are really large. It's common to get a lot of food, and even a 1-liter cola. When you eat a large amount at once, the calories naturally increase. Fast food chains also allow you to choose larger sizes, making it easy for calories to go up.

>> Use of high-fat and high-sugar ingredients

Many American dishes use a lot of high-fat and high-sugar ingredients like butter, cheese, and sugar. For example, the abundant cheese on pizza or the thick patties in burgers are major contributors to high calorie counts.

>> High proportion of processed foods

In busy daily life, the proportion of processed foods that can be eaten conveniently is high. These foods are often high in calories and low in nutritional value. For example, frozen pizzas or instant noodles fall into this category.

>> Popularity of fast food

Fast food is very popular in America. Foods that can be eaten quickly at places like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC are convenient but tend to be high in calories.

>> Cultural factors

In American culture, eating a lot is often associated with social events or celebrations. Enjoying hearty meals at family gatherings or parties with friends can naturally lead to higher calorie intake.

>> High frequency of dining out

Americans tend to eat out frequently. Dining out is often more convenient than cooking at home, and restaurant food is usually higher in calories than home-cooked meals.

Of course, there are many healthy menu options among American foods!

The low-calorie foods preferred by Americans are related to their tendency to maintain health. Here are some examples of representative low-calorie foods:

>> Salad: A salad that includes fresh vegetables (romaine, kale, spinach), chicken breast, boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. Dressings are usually low-calorie!

> Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl made with various fruits like blueberries, bananas, and acai berries, topped with nuts or chia seeds.

> Fish: High-protein, low-fat fish like salmon, cod, and tilapia, lightly grilled with olive oil and herbs. High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for health.

> Cauliflower-based foods: Pizza crusts, rice, and mashed potato substitutes made from cauliflower. Low-calorie alternatives that can be consumed instead of flour or carbohydrates.

> Low-calorie snacks: Air-popped popcorn, carrot sticks with hummus, and baked cheese chips are popular. They provide satiety while being low in calories, making them suitable for diet snacks.

These foods are commonly chosen among health-conscious Americans and are increasingly offered on restaurant menus.

The important thing is to maintain a balanced diet and moderate intake.

Enjoy delicious food while taking care of your health!