High-Risk Nutritional Practices

High-Risk Nutritional Practices
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High-Risk Nutritional Practices
Various communities have different practices surrounding the choice, preparation, and food intake. Some dietary cultures are beneficial to health while others are detrimental. These practices affect the quality and quantity of nutrients available to the body, affecting people’s health and well-being (Blake et al., 2021). The nutrition malpractices explain why some communities are more predisposed to some conditions such as diabetes than others. Some high-risk nutritional practices include high fat and high sugar diet, alcohol and drug intake, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables.
 Although urbanization and modernization have contributed to the exchange and adoption of different food practices worldwide, culture still plays a significant role in the choice and preparation of food. The factors influencing dietary behavior of different cultures include historical perspectives, education, religious and cultural beliefs, family roles, and healthcare practices (Blake et al., 2021). This paper will discuss three cultures, the factors influencing their high-risk nutritional behavior, and the role of health care providers in caring for individuals with such behaviors. 
High-Risk Nutritional Behaviors in America
The American diet is primarily associated with high fat and high sugar foods. These foods include fries, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, donuts, and meatloaf. Most people take large meals, consume alcohol, and engage in drug abuse. Due to the demanding work and school life in the U.S., most people have no time to prepare food and therefore purchase fast food, which is usually high in fats and sugar. Most American youths and children eat away from home, and the food choices are mostly junk foods (Barone et al., 2020). Consumption of junk foods has led to an increase in childhood obesity among children below sixteen years. 
An increase in the number of fast-food joints further encourages high-risk nutritional behavior. With the competition in the food industry, junk food has become more affordable and available than healthier options. Americans also tend to have other poor practices such as overeating, smoking, and alcohol consumption (Blake et al., 2021). This further exposes them to the risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. 
Historical Perspectives and Belief Systems that Influence High-Risk Nutritional Behavior
Various cultures around the world have shaped American culture. The U.S is one of the most culturally diverse countries due to immigration and the indigenous Americans. Dietary behavior is mainly influenced by lifestyle, technology, education, and socioeconomic systems (Barone et al., 2020). Most people eat away from home due to the busy lifestyle in the states. Junk foods are readily available and affordable, which encourages people to have unhealthy convenience foods. Due to the increase in demand for ready food, fast food restaurants had to invent ways to supply more of it. This resulted in people consuming food high in sugar and fats, leading to an increase in heart-related conditions.
Poor dietary choices in conjunction with other practices such as overeating, smoking, drugs, and alcohol intake negatively affect the health of many adults in America. These practices are mainly influenced by lifestyle and belief systems to some extent. For instance, overeating may be caused by the availability of affordable, fast foods. Junk foods contain cheese, sugar, and fat ingredients, which leave the consumer craving for more. Unavailability of time to prepare healthy meals due to tight schedules contributes to Americans choosing fast foods (Barone et al., 2020). The historical perception that smoking and using drugs helps relieve stress has led to increased use of the same. Some people smoke to pass the time or avoid overthinking life’s challenges. This behavior has been influenced by the stressful modern life that pressures people to achieve the perceived milestones.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
As the number of people with lifestyle diseases increases, healthcare providers in America have a role in creating awareness of the importance of a healthy diet in preventing or slowing down the disease progress. People who consume junk foods may not be aware of the long-term impact of such diets on their health. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all healthcare workers to educate people on the adverse effects of poor dietary practices.
For instance, they can educate people on the contribution of high fat and high sugar diet to the rising cases of lifestyle diseases. The healthcare system should also engage dieticians to help people choose healthier diets, especially those at risk of developing diet-related conditions (Barone et al., 2020). Planning meals ahead would help people to choose healthier meals over junk foods. In collaboration with other stakeholders, healthcare providers should establish school feeding programs to ensure children get well-balanced and nourishing diets.
High-Risk Nutritional Behavior in Haiti
The Haitian community upholds overweight and obesity as a sign of affluence in society. For this reason, most people have poor dietary habits that promote weight gain. They rarely engage in strenuous activities that could act as a form of exercise. Haitians like to take two large meals a day and snacks just before bedtime, a practice that promotes weight gain (Barone et al., 2020). According ...