Eating healthy sounds simple, but sticking to a nutritious diet takes daily effort and commitment. A new survey in the U.S. has shed light on one major reason why many Americans aren’t eating healthy: they’re too tired to cook after work. After spending the whole day in meetings, giving presentations, and racing to meet deadlines, most people feel too exhausted to come home and make a meal from scratch.
The survey, which included 2,000 people across the U.S., found that 77% of them said there are days when they’re just too worn out to cook after work. Shockingly, about 20% even admitted to falling asleep while trying to cook because they were so tired. The research was conducted online by Talker Research between August 5 and August 12, 2024, and was commissioned by Kevin’s Natural Foods.
Mondays appear to be the toughest day for cooking after work. When asked which days are the hardest to make a home-cooked meal, 35% of people said Monday, followed by both Wednesday and Friday, with 29% each. Only 12% of respondents said they’re “never” overwhelmed by their busy schedules.
So, what do people do when they’re tired and hungry after a long day? Many turn to their favorite convenience foods. According to the survey, the most popular easy-to-make choices are:
- Sandwiches (42%)
- Fast food (37%)
- Microwavable dinners (33%)
- Frozen convenience meals (31%)
- Ramen noodles (29%)
- Eggs (25%)
- Delivery or takeout (22%)
- Leftovers (19%)
- Snacks (19%)
- Air fryer meals (18%)
Additionally, about 26% of the people said they order food delivery multiple times a week. However, more than half of them (61%) regret these choices because of the poor nutritional value.
Despite these challenges, most people still want to eat healthier. About 78% said that eating healthy is important to them. However, they face several hurdles that keep them from making better food choices daily. The top obstacles are:
- Healthy food is too expensive (41%)
- Not enough time to cook healthy meals (26%)
- Difficulty finding healthy ingredients (19%)
Convenience is a major roadblock stopping Americans from eating better. Around 74% of those surveyed said they would be more interested in eating healthier if it were more convenient.
Overall, this survey reveals how everyday fatigue and a busy lifestyle lead many Americans to choose quick, convenient meals over healthy ones. There is a clear need for more accessible, affordable, and convenient healthy food options that fit into the lives of busy people. Making healthy eating easier could encourage more people to make better choices and lead healthier lives.
