WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It's no secret that Millennials are a unique part of the population defined by events and characteristics that set them apart from any other generation. When it comes to health and nutrition, the theme remains the same.
According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation's 2015 Food and Health Survey, compared to the general U.S. population, Millennials (18- to 34-year-old respondents) have differing opinions on traditional healthful habits, usage of resources and information for staying healthy, and even on the value of some nutrients. But is their unique approach to health and wellness the right one?
"Millennials are a unique generation, and their approach to health and fitness is no exception," said Sarah Romotsky, RD, director of health and wellness for the IFIC Foundation. "This research gave us an inside look at how Millennials are optimistic about the future of food, they look to their friends and family for support, they use technology as a tool to reach their health goals, and they have shifting attitudes about the value of certain nutrients."
Barriers to a Healthful Lifestyle
Though Millennials are similar to the general population in stating that lack of time is a major barrier to losing or maintaining weight, stress and work are additional hurdles for Millennials. Because of these perceived barriers, Millennials have unique coping mechanisms.
Millennials are also less likely to have adopted healthful habits.
Whom Do Millennials Trust?
In addition to different perceived barriers to better health, Millennials are more likely to seek alternative sources for trusted food information. Despite most Millennials stating that they trust their personal healthcare professional to provide accurate information about the foods they should be eating, more Millennials than other age groups are trusting additional information sources.
Millennials Are Going Digital
Beyond turning to alternative sources for trusted information, Millennials are improving their diets in different ways.
Looking toward the future, Millennials are optimistic about future food innovations and inventions. If Millennials time-traveled 30 years into the future and found an appliance that turned raw ingredients into meals, 89 percent of Millennials would be excited, vs. 80 percent of the general population. Similarly, more Millennials (79 percent vs. 69 percent of the general population) are excited to try a 3D printer that can make any food from scratch.
Shifting Attitudes on the Value of Nutrients
Millennials also have different opinions about nutrition. When asked specifically about calorie sources and weight gain, only 20 percent of Millennials state that all sources of calories have the same effect on weight gain, compared to 27 percent of the general population. They are also less focused on limiting or avoiding calories than the general population.
Like the general population, Millennials are more concerned about the amount and type of sugars they eat than they are about the type or amount of carbohydrates consumed. Within the Millennial demographic, women and those with higher household incomes are the most concerned.
Millennials also agree with the general population that moderate sugar intake can be a part of a healthful diet and believe that there are differences between the healthfulness of naturally occurring and other types of sugars.
"Sugar is among the most heated topics in nutrition today," said Kris Sollid, RD, director of nutrient communications for the IFIC Foundation. "The truth is that healthful diets don't have to be perfect, restrictive, or void of sugar. Flexibility is the key. There are many ways to achieve good health, and enjoying a sweet treat every now and then can be part of that."
When it comes to dietary fat, Millennials realize the healthfulness of omega fatty acids but do not fully understand the differences between different types of fats.
Although Millennials view protein favorably and see the importance of protein in their diets, there are still a wide range of misconceptions surrounding protein.
The full results from the 2015 Food and Health Survey are available for download.
The International Food Information Council Foundation is dedicated to the mission of effectively communicating science-based information on health, food safety and nutrition for the public good. The IFIC Foundation is supported primarily by the broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries. Visit http://www.foodinsight.org.