#HealthyEating

A new Pew Research Center survey shows rising food costs are squeezing Americans’ ability to eat healthily, signaling a global tension between affordability and nutrition. Ninety percent of American adults acknowledge higher prices for healthy foods, while about 70% say price increases affect what they can eat. This trend, though rooted in the United States, resonates with Thai households facing similar inflationary pressures and concerns about diet quality.

The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where urban households and low-income families are also grappling with nutritious-eating choices amid price volatility. As prices rise, there is a risk that people substitute healthier options for cheaper, less nutritious foods. This dynamic mirrors broader health challenges observed worldwide, underscoring the need for locally tailored responses in Thailand to protect diet quality and long-term wellbeing.

A leading Harvard medical expert highlights four snack options that can fit into daily life without harming liver or gut health. For Thai readers navigating busy schedules and the impact of Western snack trends, this guidance offers a practical, science-backed way to snack smarter while staying aligned with local dietary habits.

Public concern in Thailand over liver and digestive health is rising, with NAFLD and digestive disorders becoming more common. These conditions are often linked to high-sugar, high-fat processed foods that are widespread in modern Thai diets. The Harvard doctor’s advice provides a clear path: choose snacks that nourish the body rather than undermine it, a message that resonates with Thailand’s growing emphasis on healthy living.

In an age where snack foods often carry the blame for rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases, a prominent Harvard medical expert has spotlighted four specific snack options that can be enjoyed daily without jeopardizing liver or gut health. This comes as welcome news to Thai readers who are increasingly conscious of both diet-related illnesses and the influence of Western fast food culture on local snacking habits. The advice aligns with broader global trends in nutritional science, which highlight the importance of making mindful snack choices to support overall health.

A Pew Research Center survey shows rising food costs are making healthy eating harder for Americans. Nearly seven in ten adults say price is a major obstacle, a finding that echoes in Thailand as households navigate similar pressures and changing food choices.

The poll, conducted in late February to early March 2025 with more than 5,100 American adults, found that 90% noticed higher prices for healthy foods in recent years. Even more striking, 69% say these costs hinder their ability to maintain a nutritious diet. The burden is heaviest for those on lower or fixed incomes, where 47% report difficulty versus 15% among higher-income families. This gap underscores how socioeconomic status shapes dietary health.

Higher food prices in the United States are making it increasingly difficult for Americans to maintain a healthy diet, with nearly seven in ten adults citing cost as a significant obstacle, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. The findings resonate globally, including in Thailand, where economic pressures and changing food environments similarly influence dietary health.

The national survey, conducted in late February to early March 2025 and involving over 5,100 American adults, revealed that a staggering 90% of respondents observed price hikes in healthy foods over recent years. Most strikingly, 69% reported that these rising costs are hindering their ability to eat a nutritious diet. Those on lower or fixed incomes experienced the greatest hardships, with 47% facing particular difficulty compared to just 15% among higher-income households—a gap that highlights the stubborn link between socioeconomic status and nutritional health (CNN).

Recent nutrition guidance underscores dietary fiber as essential for digestion, heart health, and metabolic well-being. A recent briefing synthesizes advice from registered dietitians, noting that most adults fall short of daily fiber targets. For Thailand, where average fiber intake trails national recommendations, the message carries added urgency for public health and personal wellness.

Fiber supports gut health, helps control appetite, and lowers the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, and some cancers. The general daily targets are 21–26 grams for women and 30–38 grams for men. Surveys in the United States show only about 5% of adults meet these guidelines, a pattern echoed in several countries, including Thailand. In local studies, Thai adults’ mean daily fiber intake hovers around 9 grams, with even lower figures among those with chronic diseases. This aligns with global trends of under-consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes—the core fiber sources.

Recent nutrition research continues to champion dietary fiber as a key pillar of healthy living, and new recommendations are highlighting specific foods that can make it easier—and more delicious—to meet daily fiber needs. A report published on Martha Stewart’s website, drawing on advice from registered dietitians, emphasizes that most adults fail to eat sufficient fiber, with far-reaching implications for digestive, metabolic, and heart health (Martha Stewart). For Thailand, where the average daily fiber intake remains well below recommended levels, this message carries particular urgency.

A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals a complex portrait of American eating habits in 2025, highlighting how escalating food prices and evolving lifestyles are making healthy eating more challenging for many. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the balance between taste, convenience, affordability, and healthiness, revealing key insights that resonate even for readers in Thailand navigating their own nutrition landscapes.

As the cost of food continues upward, 90% of surveyed US adults acknowledge that healthy food has become more expensive in recent years. Nearly seven in ten say these price increases make it more difficult to maintain a healthy diet, with lower-income individuals feeling the pinch most acutely. The survey, conducted among 5,123 adults, captures shifting priorities and the struggle to eat healthy in a world saturated by rising obesity, proliferating food delivery options, and ever-changing dietary advice from social media influencers (pewresearch.org).

A recent Pew Research Center survey paints a clear picture of how rising food prices and evolving lifestyles influence healthy eating in 2025. The findings show that taste, convenience, affordability, and health are all weighing into daily choices. For Thai readers, the study offers valuable parallels as Thailand faces similar nutrition challenges and ongoing public health campaigns.

As food prices rise, 90% of adults surveyed in the United States acknowledge that healthy food has become more expensive. About 70% say price increases make it harder to maintain a healthy diet, with lower-income individuals feeling the squeeze most. The study included 5,123 adults and highlights how affordability, access, and knowledge shape dietary health amid rising obesity, abundant delivery options, and shifting dietary guidance from social media influencers. The research is reported through national institutions and public health experts.

Processed meats are a common feature in many Thai and international dishes, but new research warns these foods may raise colorectal cancer risk, especially with daily consumption. Recent analyses, including a May 2025 report, indicate that regular intake of bacon, sausages, ham, hot dogs, and preserved meats can increase cancer risk. Alarmingly, doctors are seeing younger patients, some in their teens, diagnosed with colorectal cancer, underscoring a need to reexamine everyday eating habits.

A growing number of nutritionists warn that persistent hunger and lingering fatigue may indicate insufficient protein intake. In Thailand, where meals often center on rice, this issue has particular relevance for anyone aiming to stay healthy and energized.

Protein is a key macronutrient essential for building and repairing body tissues, supporting immune function, and regulating metabolism. Nutrition professionals emphasize that proteins are made of amino acids, the building blocks of life. According to research cited by a leading Bangkok nutritionist, protein plays a central role in the structure and function of the body’s cells. Data from respected health organizations reinforces that proteins are vital for maintaining tissues and organs.

Nutrition experts are sounding the alarm about a potentially overlooked dietary issue: not getting enough protein, a problem that can have far-reaching effects on health and wellbeing. According to the latest research and insights from leading registered dietitians, a persistent feeling of hunger and lingering fatigue between meals may be the number one warning sign that you’re falling short on this vital nutrient. In Thailand—where carbohydrate-rich diets, especially those based on rice, are the norm—this finding holds special relevance for anyone keen to maintain optimal health.

A growing focus on hydration and blood sugar control is shaping new recipe ideas. Nutrition experts highlight that pairing fluid-rich foods with low glycemic ingredients can help stabilize glucose levels. This aligns with recent global health guidance and resonates with Thai audiences seeking practical, tasty solutions.

In Thailand, diabetes and prediabetes are rising due to lifestyle changes and urban diets. Practical strategies that fit Thai cooking traditions are urgently needed. The latest guidance showcases 26 recipes designed to hydrate while avoiding sharp blood sugar spikes. This approach supports metabolic well-being by combining hydration with mindful carbohydrate choices.

A recent surge of interest in the intersection of hydration and blood sugar management has driven nutrition experts to develop recipes aimed at achieving both goals simultaneously, according to the latest report by EatingWell. The new recommendations, unveiled in an article titled “26 Hydrating Recipes for Better Blood Sugar,” highlight how thoughtfully combining fluid-rich foods with low glycaemic ingredients can support stable glucose levels — a matter of growing concern among Thai readers and the global community alike.

A growing wave of evidence among dietitians and researchers suggests a simple, practical move: eat larger, more substantial meals to reduce cravings for ultra-processed snacks. This idea, highlighted in a recent Business Insider piece, resonates globally and offers meaningful lessons for Thailand as obesity and diabetes rise in the country.

Ultra-processed foods—those heavily altered with additives, fats, sugars, and salt—have become common worldwide. In Thailand, convenient snacks, sweetened drinks, and ready-to-eat meals are increasingly part of daily life, especially for busy urban residents. Data from international studies indicate that every 10 percent rise in ultra-processed food intake may be linked to a higher risk of premature death, underscoring the need to rethink snack culture.

A growing body of research and expert dietary advice is converging on a clear message: increasing the size and substance of meals may be one of the most practical ways for individuals to reduce their consumption of ultra-processed snacks, a major contributor to a range of chronic health problems worldwide. This recommendation, spotlighted in a recent report by Business Insider, is resonating globally and holds considerable relevance for Thai readers, as Thailand grapples with rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases tied to eating habits.

A new, ancestry-inspired approach to gut-friendly eating is gaining traction worldwide, now recast for Thai audiences. A registered dietitian has proposed an “ancestral” alternative to the Mediterranean plan, emphasizing simple, balanced meals and evidence-based recipes designed to support digestive health. This shift comes as interest in gut health grows and families seek sustainable, culturally relevant options.

Global interest in gut health reflects growing evidence that trillions of gut microbes influence immunity, mood, and disease risk. For Thai households facing rising rates of irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and food intolerances, diet remains a critical tool for wellbeing. Thai nutrition experts highlight that locally available, minimally processed foods can nurture a healthy microbiome without relying on costly imports.

A growing number of busy Thais, seeking fast and nutritious breakfasts, are wondering if liquid eggs found on supermarket shelves are as healthy as their shell-bound counterparts. Fresh insights from registered dietitians, as detailed in a recent feature by Today.com, clarify the nutritional similarities, health benefits, and trade-offs of choosing between liquid pasteurized eggs and traditional eggs — an important consideration as egg prices and convenience influence shopping decisions in Thailand and globally (Today.com).

Busy Thai households want quick, nutritious mornings. Are liquid, pasteurized eggs as healthy as traditional shell eggs? A recent overview by health professionals clarifies the nutrition, benefits, and trade-offs of liquid eggs versus real eggs, a timely topic as prices and convenience shape Thai grocery choices.

In Thai cuisine, eggs are essential—from kai jeow omelets to khai luak soft-boiled eggs and countless stir-fries. Supermarkets and convenience stores in Bangkok now stock liquid pasteurized eggs beside imported products, offering a time-saving option for office workers and families racing the clock. But does swapping shell eggs for liquid eggs affect nutrition or flavor?

A new spin on gut-friendly eating is capturing attention worldwide, thanks to a registered dietitian’s creation of an “ancestral” alternative to the popular Mediterranean diet. Highlighted recently in a feature by Business Insider, this novel approach emphasizes simplicity, balanced nutrition, and evidence-based recipes designed to promote digestive health—a topic of growing significance for Thai readers in the wake of increasing concern over chronic gastrointestinal issues and the broader quest for well-being (Business Insider).

Chile’s aggressive push to curb childhood junk-food consumption is shaping a global conversation on healthier diets for young people. By tightening marketing rules and front-of-pack labeling, Chile reports a notable drop in unhealthy snack purchases among children. Public health officials worldwide see this as a practical blueprint for addressing youth obesity.

The heart of Chile’s approach is simple and visible: large, black stop-sign warnings on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat; a ban on advertising unhealthy products to children; and restrictions on sales in schools. Since these measures began in 2016, families, teachers, and retailers have faced a clearer, more public health-oriented food environment. The World Health Organization has highlighted the urgency of reducing childhood overweight and obesity, noting a global rise that demands stronger action. In Thailand, about one in ten schoolchildren is overweight or obese, a trend mirrored by expanding fast-food availability and aggressive snack marketing.

Chile’s bold efforts to curb childhood junk food consumption have sparked international attention, prompting the question: if Chile can do it, why can’t the UK—or, indeed, Thailand? The South American nation’s sweeping package of regulations, focusing on marketing and labeling, has spurred a dramatic decline in unhealthy snack intake by children. This development has brought fresh hope to public health officials worldwide grappling with rising obesity rates among the youth.

A recent firsthand account published in EatingWell highlighted the transformative effects of following a strict no-added-sugar, anti-inflammatory meal plan for just one week. The author, accustomed to daily sweet treats, eliminated all added sugars and focused on whole, nutrient-rich ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and leafy greens. This shift not only subdued her sugar cravings, but also brought surprising benefits: increased energy, fewer food anxieties, and a renewed appreciation for mindful eating.

A personal account published in EatingWell documents the impact of a strict no-added-sugar, anti-inflammatory meal plan for one week. The author, who usually enjoys daily sweets, cut added sugars and centered meals on whole, nutrient-rich ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and leafy greens. She reports higher energy, reduced food anxiety, and a renewed mindfulness around eating.

For Thailand, this topic arrives at a moment when chronic diseases—especially diabetes, heart disease, and obesity—are major health concerns. Thai cuisine is rich in anti-inflammatory herbs and fresh produce, yet modern diets with processed foods and added sugars are rising. Understanding how anti-inflammatory, low-sugar eating works is important not just for individuals but for the health system as well.