Subject(s):

Americans would rather work on their income taxes than try to unravel the mysteries of healthy eating.

Official nutritional guidelines seem to change as frequently as the tax laws, so it’s little wonder that so many people find it frustrating to make appropriate nutritional choices. While 58% of Americans surveyed said they give a lot of thought to what they consume, only 20% describe their diets as healthful, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation.

Information overload may be part of the problem: Consumers are more likely to simply look at the expiration date rather than the more-complex nutrition facts panel when making a food or beverage purchase, according to the survey.

Source: International Food Information Council Foundation, www.foodinsight.org.