‘Healthy Pleasure’.
This word was selected as one of the top 10 consumption trend keywords in 2022. It contains the meaning of pursuing a ‘healthy life’ and at the same time ‘managing it happily’. It is a compound word that has become popular as the importance of health care has been highlighted due to the increase in single-person households and the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), and the goal is to pursue ‘sustainable health care.’
This trend has spread around the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z), leading to the zero-calorie trend and the popularity of low-sugar and low-sodium foods in the food industry. However, as healthy pleasure is widely used as a marketing tool, some experts are pointing out that ‘there is a need to look back on basic principles such as eating vegetables and fruits.’
According to national health statistics recently released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the proportion of the population consuming more than the recommended amount of 500g of vegetables and fruits per day was 22.7% as of 2022, or only 2 out of 10 people. Insufficient vegetable and fruit intake can lead to nutritional imbalance and a decline in quality of life. On the other hand, consuming enough vegetables and fruits lowers the risk of developing various diseases and helps prevent chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Antioxidant nutrients obtained from various vitamins and minerals in vegetables and fruits also play an important role in protecting body cells.
Ultimately, in order to achieve the vision presented in the 5th National Health Promotion Plan (Health Plan 2030), ‘a society where everyone enjoys lifelong health’, it is necessary to make vegetables and fruits easy and enjoyable in everyday life through nutrition education for all citizens and realistic and efficient nutrition policies. There is a need to encourage consumption.
However, in reality, due to the westernization of eating habits and the spread of food consumption trends aimed at convenience of storage and cooking, the table that consisted of rice, soup, kimchi, and a few side dishes with a high proportion of vegetables is gradually disappearing. The rate at which delivery food and processed/convenience foods are replacing home-cooked meals is also accelerating. This is the exact opposite of the movement that pursues healthy pleasure and well-being in physical, mental, and social aspects.
An individual’s eating habits have a huge impact on food choices. And the food you eat every day determines your growth in childhood and your level of health in adulthood. This means that people who are more interested in health and recognize the importance of a balanced diet are more likely to choose foods with nutritional considerations and live a healthy life.
Since 2007, the Korean Dietitian Association has conducted a national nutrition campaign by selecting a theme every year with the goal of establishing a national anniversary of ‘Nutrition Day on October 14th’. This year, the theme is ‘Practice health with a nutritionist, eat vegetables and fruits every day!’ and are emphasizing the importance of eating vegetables and fruits through various events. As a nutrition expert responsible for national health, I hope that Nutrition Day will be established as a national memorial day as soon as possible so that all citizens can enjoy healthy lives and the value of nutrition is established in people’s daily lives.
Song Jin-seon, President of the Korean Dietitian Association
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