This last week, I created a survey to get your take and understanding on Nutrition. Now, I did receive only a few responses during this first trial, but I am hoping to get more and have more responses to analyze.

Some of the questions that I asked were the individuals demographics like age and gender, followed by what year the surveyor came to the United States, and if they had previous knowledge on the techniques of nutrition in America. Nutrition is a universal language because food is a universal language; now the metrics may be different as far as in the difference between calories and kilocalories and how nutritional guides are written from country to country, but one thing will always remain the same, creating a healthier lifestyle using nutrition will change you physically, mentally, and spiritually, no matter what part of the world you live in. 

What I have seen and learned through my education and experiences in different countries, is good nutrition and what people view as good nutrition differs from country to country. In America, they tell you that if you eat too much carbs and bread, you will gain a lot of weight, but in countries like France, bread is their staple foods, and it doesn't create that weight gain. Another example is in different countries in Africa, women having a larger figure is seen as healthy , whereas in America, its viewed as obesity with many health concerns. What some people fail to realize coming to America is that the same foods you once ate in your home country that was seen as good or okay, may not be good for you health wise in the long run. 

Creating good and healthy eating habits does not mean completely cutting out your favorite foods, because when you do, you realize that you will start binge eating because you told yourself no, but in telling yourself no to these foods, it made you realize you wanted it more. A good example of this analogy is if you have children, siblings, or just children around you, you realize that if you tell them to not do something or take away their favorite thing, you create a mini monster, because you see how saying no and taking these things away makes them ravenous and makes them desire it more. This relates to how we are with food when there is no proper way in removing these obstacles in front of us. Unless you are given a bad health report, you won't automatically want to make a change, because your circumstances are not as bad as you think. But don't allow a bad report or getting a bad report in the future to deter you from making changes now that are more of a preventative measure.

Another question that I asked was when moving to America, did they know good nutritional principles, and half of the surveyors said no and the other half said yes. I also asked if they received support from the food bank and refugee net, which it was a resounding yes ! In these surveys, I also realized that the individuals who have been in the United States for 20+ years have now received the knowledge and understanding of what good nutrition is, while those who have been here less than 5 years, have not and need that education and understanding. This was a great survey to analyze because it showed me how important it is for this education to be taught. Some other things that I've learned from this survey is just because some people have knowledge on good nutrition principles, that does not mean that they have implemented it in their life and vice versa, even if they do not have good knowledge on nutrition principles, it does not mean they are not eating healthier. And lastly, language is a big barrier to why people know or do not know good nutrition habits.

Takeaway: I hope this blog has allowed you to really analyze your own life and where you need to make small changes and ask the right questions to receive the knowledge you need!