Should Americans Give Nutrition Advice to Other Cultures?

I think this question is really a no-brainer. No, I think that Americans should absolutely not give out any advice to other cultures regarding nutrition and eating practices. The thought of us dispensing such advice is really ludicrous in my opinion. I mean, we are the fattest country in the world! It's laughable to think that America is a good model to eat by for any other nations. What's next -- tortoises training Olympic runners?

Americans are not only fat, but we are also obsessed with food and obsessed with our bodies. We thrive on fad diets - and most of them are only good for producing short-term results. Fad diets are generally not healthy as a lifestyle. Americans eat fast-food in grossly large amounts. American children are more overweight and obese than ever.

Sure, if Americans followed the dietary guidelines that are put forth by the FDA, we would be healthy. However, that is a big if. Most Americans do not live by those recommendations - not even close. If other countries were to adapt the eating habits that Americans are supposed to have, then that would be fine. But really, why would other countries turn to our recommendations when the people of other countries are managing their diets and their weights far more effectively than people in our country?

One country that comes to mind is France. A few years ago, French author Mireille Guiliano wrote the best-selling book "French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure." This book discussed how French women eat breads and sweets in moderation - and when they eat these things, they savor them and they enjoy them. Conversely, when the average American woman eats a "bad" food (just shows that I am an American woman because I can't think of a word other "bad" to describe this type of food), she feels guilty about it and she shames herself for it. As a country, our attitude towards food is almost one of perpetual guilt and shame. When we eat healthy, we feel good about ourselves, and when we don't, we have negative self-thoughts and regret. French women allow themselves to indulge in small quantities, and they are able to satisfy themselves without their treat leading to an inner turmoil.

If other countries want to learn from America, the lesson they should take from us is to avoid some of the mistakes we made. Don't open fast-food restaurants on every corner. Don't make portions so large that when you go to a restaurant and order a dinner entrée, you will be consuming more than the total calories allotted for a day in just one meal. Don't become obsessed with body image and foods in the way that Americans have, particularly American women and girls. American eating practices are a lesson is what not to do.