In this high-tech information age, we are bombarded with health and nutrition messages daily. Frequently, headlines seem to contradict the ones we read last month.
It’s no wonder that people just throw their hands up and go back to old eating habits.
The new Food Guide Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been publicized for almost two years now, but does the general public understand the guidelines or put them into practice?
      The International Food Information Council has launched a major survey of consumer nutrition knowledge and attitudes to determine how much of this advice people understand and what behavior changes have been made. Here are some of the survey results:

• While consumers are concerned about their weight and frequently look for calorie information on food package labels, nearly 9 out of 10 were unable to estimate the number of calories they should actually eat in an average day.

When they were asked “how many calories should a person your age, weight and height consume per day?” 43 percent answered “don’t know” and of the remainder who answered, 8 out of 10 estimated incorrectly.

• The survey revealed that individuals are confused about how the basic food components like dietary fat, carbohydrate and protein can contribute to weight gain. Most people thought calories from fat and carbohydrates would cause weight gain, but calories from protein would not. Only 3 out of 10 people correctly stated that calories from any food source can cause weight gain.

In other words, a calorie is a calorie, and eating too much of any type of food can cause weight gain over time.

• After 20 years of advice from health professionals to limit fat in the diet, there is evidence that consumers understand this message. Most recognized that they should reduce saturated fats and trans fats in the diet, but were confused about which oil was best to use. Half of those questioned indicated that they were not tying to increase or decrease the amount of fat they consumed. Even the healthier fat choices, such as olive oil or canola oil can cause weight gain if used excessively. Fats (good or bad) are a very concentrated source of calories.
• 69 percent reported they were trying to consume less sugar and refined carbohydrates but only 1 in 6 had actually reduced consumption of sugar on a daily basis. Many people stated they were choosing more high fiber, whole grain carbohydrates.

     The USDA’s nutrition information website is www.mypyramid.gov where consumers can enter age, weight, gender and activity levels to get a personalized food guide pyramid. Information is provided on healthy eating and physical activity with hints for changing eating habits and becoming more active daily. There is even a kid’s food pyramid game, coloring sheets, and classroom activities for teachers. When it comes to nutrition information, it is best to go to a reliable source. Food labels are a great source of information and can help you make better food choices.