NEW YORK, May 5, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: With obesity becoming a global epidemic, it's no surprise researchers and scientists are trying to find ways to combat it. Obesity is one of the most significant factors affecting cardiovascular rates and heart health across all generations, cultures, and sexes. 

But why has it become so common? Some believe it's due to environmental factors, such as microplastics now being found in blood or anti-depressants leaking into the water supply. Others point to cultural lifestyle changes, such as decreases in the need for physical activity thanks to remote work and office jobs and easier access to fast foods.

A study done by the Cleveland Clinic found that 45% of those polled admitted to opting for fast food at least once a week instead of preparing meals themselves. 

While there may be no easy answer for the rise in obesity rates, it's clear that the damage it does to the heart and cardiovascular system is well worth trying to stop. 

Fortunately, there are several things we can do to help improve our heart health and lower our risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, and even stroke. Here are four of the biggest barriers to a heart-healthy diet in 2023:

1. Lack of knowledge about healthy eating habits

One of the biggest challenges facing people who want to adopt a healthier diet is that they don't know where to start. Many people are used to eating whatever they want without consequence, so changing their habits is often difficult.

It is essential to educate yourself on the different types of foods and how to cook them to make healthier choices without feeling deprived or uncomfortable. Acquiring knowledge about your food sources is also key - learning where your food comes from can help you make more informed decisions about what you eat.

2. Lack of access to affordable, healthy foods

According to Credello's "Price of Health Food" survey, the average cost for home-cooked meals rose 11.3% in January 2023 alone. With the current economic instability and record-high inflation, it's no surprise many are opting for cheaper options than their healthy counterparts. 

Unfortunately, saving money now could have detrimental results later. Many pre-prepared or packaged foods are high in sugar, salt, and other unhealthy additives that can pack on the pounds and damage your heart health.

Luckily, there are solutions that can make healthy foods readily available without breaking the budget. Opting for locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and even bread or meats can often be a cheaper alternative than foods shipped to your grocery store. Consider going to your weekly farmer's markets to source healthy, cheap ingredients for your weekly meals.

In addition, don't think the only option for good health means paying a premium for organic and fresh. The term "organic" is loosely regulated by the FDA and doesn't automatically make an ingredient or meal a healthier alternative than the non-organic version. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also an economical option that can be substituted for fresh items in many recipes at a fraction of the cost.

3. Difficulty tracking food intake

One of the biggest challenges with adopting a healthier diet is keeping track of what you're eating. It's easy to go through the day without thinking about what you're putting in your mouth, leading to mindless eating and nutrient deficiency.

It's important to make meal planning a part of your daily routine so you know exactly what's going into your body at all times. This way, you can make healthier choices even when you don't have time to cook from scratch.

4. Lack of motivation to change lifestyle habits

If you're not motivated to change your lifestyle habits, doing so will be difficult, if not impossible. Many people simply stick to the same routine, regardless of how unhealthy it is for their health.

Balancing your work and personal life is essential to make time for healthy eating and exercise. Participating in healthy activities with friends or family can also help increase your motivation. Also, reducing your meat intake or going vegetarian can have an immensely positive effect on your budget and heart health. 

The bottom line

There are a lot of obstacles to adopting a heart-healthy diet in 2023, but with some effort and motivation, it's definitely possible. By educating yourself on the food you're eating and finding affordable, healthy alternatives, you can take small but critical steps toward ensuring your heart stays strong for years to come.

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

NEW YORK, May 5, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: A 2022 report by Redfin found that 30% of 25-year-olds were homeowners, a percentage higher than both millennials and Gen X-ers! How has Gen Z passed its predecessors with homeownership when they're earning less and dealing with the same competitive housing market?

How Gen Z is outpacing other generations in homeownership

1. They entered a better job market than Gen Y - Millennials have the unfortunate fact that most of them entered their professional lives during the Great Recession, making it more difficult for them to start saving for a house in their 20s, a common investing practice. Gen Z, however, came into a more bustling labor market post-COVID. A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that over 24 million jobs were added to the US economy since April 2020, a rate higher than pre-pandemic levels.

2. They capitalized on historically low mortgage interest rates - Before the recession, rates were at all-time highs. As a result, many millennials were unable to qualify for mortgages because of how high the rates were. Gen Z, however, benefited from historically low interest rates that occurred during the pandemic, making it nearly effortless to get a mortgage for a home.

3.  They've been willing to move to "less desirable" areas - Thanks to remote work, many Gen Z homebuyers are opting for metropolitan areas that have historically low costs of living, saving them money on their homes. This generation is more willing to be nomadic than Gen X and, to some extent, millennials. They have been able to capitalize on new initiatives that "less desirable" towns are offering digital nomads who move to their cities, including moving allowances, housing grants, and even cold, hard cash.

4. They're more flexible with their housing - Since most Gen Z-ers are still in the beginning phases of building their families, they're more willing to own homes that are smaller or non-traditional. The tiny home movement that began as a way for millennials to own homes has branched out to Gen Z and taught them that a three-bedroom/two-bath house isn't all it's cracked up to be when you're still young. Consequently, many are opting instead for the cheaper "starter" homes or even pre-fab or mobile homes since getting financing for a mobile home can sometimes be easier than traditional mortgages.

What older generations can learn from Gen Z

1. Be flexible - Many of the things that have held back older generations, such as not being willing to move to less desirable areas, can be overcome with a bit of creativity and flexibility. For example, many Gen Z-ers opt for "starter homes'' or pre-fabricated housing that is easier and cheaper to get financing for than traditional mortgages.

2. Cut your spending - Many Gen Z-ers watched their sibling millennials struggle in harsh economic climates, leaving many in debt and struggling. Because of this, many entering the job market now are much more cautious with their spending habits and are instead opting to squirrel money away for future purchases, like homeownership, instead of impulse buys. 

3. Watch the market - There is rarely a "perfect" time to buy, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't hedge your bets by waiting for the market to fluctuate. Both interest rates and real estate markets will ebb and flow over time, so keep your eye on how things are trending in your area. Gen Z saw that the time to buy was during the historically low-interest rates of 2020 and struck while the iron was hot. Consequently, now interest rates are much higher to help curb inflation, and most real estate markets in the US are highly competitive, making it the wrong time to buy. Sit patiently and wait for the tide to change.

The bottom line

Looking at the data above, it's clear that Gen Z is taking over the housing market. They've taken advantage of historically low mortgage rates, are more flexible with their housing needs, and are more cautious with their spending habits. As a result, they can get mortgages easier than previous generations and aren't as affected by high interest rates. 

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com.