According to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a third of Americans believe that the government should be deeply involved in finding solutions to the country’s growing obesity epidemic. But there’s an equal amount that believe that the government should play little or no role, while the rest are somewhere in the middle regarding this issue.
While Americans do agree that there is a national health crisis, most draw the line at attempts to force people into healthy eating, such as limiting junk food (like super-sized sodas; three-quarters are opposed) and putting extra taxes on it (6 out of 10 oppose this).
70% (or 8 out of 10) of Americans think it’s a good idea to require more physical activity in school and provide nutritional guidelines, such as restaurants posting calorie totals on their menus.
Source: Associated Press
In recent years, men have been doing more of the family shopping, but since the start of the current recession, they’ve been noticeably more visible. According to Schnuck Markets, 6 percent more men (compared to five years ago) have become their household’s main shopper. And a recent ESPN study shows that 31 percent of grocery shopping is done by men (up from 14 percent in the 1980s).
We’re seeing a lot of men who are stay-at-home dads, working from home or looking for a job”, said Phil Lempert, a consultant and industry analyst for ConAgra Foods. “That’s changed everything.”
The way that men shop has also changed; traditionally, men were sent to the grocery or supermarket by their wives (or girlfriends) to pick up a few last-minute items. No more. Many now not only do complete lists for total shopping, they also plan the weekly (or monthly) menus! More men are also shopping simply because they want to and enjoy the art of cooking!
And stores and manufacturers are taking notice; several chains, such as Target and Wal-Mart are considering launching aisles (including products and items) that cater to men (bear in mind that in spite of this trend, it’s still women who do the bulk of grocery shopping).
To reflect the changing demographics of grocery shopping, other food manufacturers and chains are packaging items that are gender-neutral. Recently, an in-house private line was launched at Shop ‘n Save called “Essential Everyday.” It’s intentionally designed to appeal to men and women.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
A Recipe
Here’s a quick and easy meal that both genders will enjoy:
Beef Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
½ cup uncooked rice
2 cups water
¼ cup red wine
¼ cup tomato paste
1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ lb Cheddar cheese, cubed
Brown the meat and onion in skillet; stir in all other ingredients, except for the cheese.
Bring to a boil, then stir well.
Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes.
Add the cheese; stir until melted.
Makes 4 servings
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