Overall, Americans struggle with healthy eating; the United States consequently has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. according to the World Health Organization. Across the country’s expansive 3.8 million square miles, there are some geographic regions whose residents are in better shape than others. So, where is it easiest to eat clean and healthy in the U.S., and why?

Factors like access to organic produce, popularity of fast food, healthcare, and income can all impact how “clean” Americans can eat, if they choose to. People who follow this healthy diet generally consume a ton of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lentils and beans, as well as healthy oils, proteins and fats, Medical Daily previously reported.


Clean eating also means staying away from processed and packaged foods that were created artificially. Basically, avoid snacks with ingredients that you can’t pronounce. A clean diet also limits salt and added sugars while embracing in-season foods.

For the past four years, Hawaii has been ranked the healthiest state in the country, according to the United Health Foundation, because of factors such as: rate of obesity, cardiovascular deaths, primary care physicians, and health insurance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reported that the Aloha state has significant access to organic crops, fruits, and vegetables — making it easier to eat clean than a state like Alabama.

When you hear “clean eating,” California is probably the first state that comes to mind. You’re not wrong. Residents of the West Coast region have substantial access to local, organic crops and one of the country's lowest obesity rates.

Trying to eat clean on the East Coast? Try Vermont or Massachusetts. The former was considered the second-healthiest US state in 2015, according to the UHF. (Vermont also has some of the country’s safest communities and strongest health services, as well as the highest drug use of any other state.) Both northeastern states also have considerable acreage devoted to producing organic fruit, vegetables, produce, and meat.

Wondering about the least healthy states in America? Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and West Virginia.

Read more:

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