Many “skinnier” countries use natural foods and cook all their meals. And that means no shortcuts with canned food, few spice bottles, etc.
I think that is part of it, plus their plates have more vegetables.
A lot of our meats in the US have hormones these days. Plus almost everything boxed, canned or packaged has sugar, fructose, corn syrup or the fake sugar for zero calories- none of which are good.
I also wonder if work/life balance is a contributing factor. If your work ends promptly at 5pm, you have more time and energy to cook a real meal, rather than pick up something like fast food.
The length of the work day is probably really important. 8h days are way to long to have the energy to do house keeping in my experience. You need atleast one at home working part time...
I think that is part of it, plus their plates have more vegetables.
A lot of our meats in the US have hormones these days. Plus almost everything boxed, canned or packaged has sugar, fructose, corn syrup or the fake sugar for zero calories- none of which are good.