Over the past centuries, the American diet has transformed from small portions and locally grown foods to easily obtainable and affordable processed meats and high-calorie foods. In 1984, 72% of our dinners were homemade. In 2007, only 57% were (Doane). As a nation on the go, Americans tend to look for quick and easy ways to go about our daily lives. The growth of fast food has taken over our “convenient” country and has accustomed us to becoming addicted to easy and cheap food, also known as the main cause of obesity. Restaurants aren't the only reason Americans eat so unhealthy. The mental stimulation that our favorite calorie-rich foods provide us is causing our country to lose its health and sanity. Most of us could eat healthier if we wanted to, but we simply don't want to. It is a growing mental problem for many people. As a country engaged in the battle against obesity, it is clear that healthy eating is not easy. Over a third of the American population is classified as obese; this means that in 2010 almost 41 million women and more than 37 million men aged 20 and over were obese (Avena). Obesity leads not only to physical problems, but also to many emotional problems. Individuals considered obese are often judged to be lazy, unintelligent and overall not socially accepted. In a way it's definitely unfair. There are people who may have a disease, such as thyroid disease, that can prevent them from losing weight as easily as others. But for most Americans, we tend to feed ourselves what we eat ourselves, almost as if it were our own addiction; and the drive-thru are our dealers. When compared to drugs and their addictive criteria, food is just as easily considered an addiction... middle of paper... lth, but all others can do is try and make a positive difference. Our country's lack of motivation and support affects and will always affect how we manage our aid. America has a lot of work to do, and it's not possible, but it will require a big change. Works Cited Avena, Nicole. "The American Diet." Psychology today. Psychology Today, August 19, 2013. Web. November 26, 2013. Brody, Jane E. “The American Diet: Too Sweet by the Handful.” Nytimes.com. New York Times, February 9, 2009. Network. November 26, 2013. Doane, Seth. "Changes in America's Eating Habits." CBSnews.com. CBS, Nov. 23, 2008. Web. Nov. 27, 2013. Patenaude, Frederic. “Eating Habits of Americans Compared to the French and Europeans.” Renegadehealth.com. Renegade Health, July 11, 2013. Web. November 26, 2013. Reilly, Rachel. “Food addiction exists.” Dailymail.co.uk. Daily Mail, 27 August 2013. Web. 27 November. 2013.