According to a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture, Americans are actually eating less fatty foods and fewer calories. They’re also eating at home more and including more fiber in their diet.
Besides what’s being eaten, there’s also been a shift in attitudes toward food and nutrition. People are reading nutritional labels and understanding that there is a direct correlation between what is eaten and body weight.
The in-depth survey was conducted through 2005-2010. Because data has not been gathered since 2010, it’s inconclusive if the food trends have continued or changed since.
Although the measurements of change weren’t drastic, they are promising. According to the study, people are eating 3.4% less each day – which comes out to 78 calories. They also are eating a little bit less fast food, even though it’s still more than 10% of our diet. People ate 3.3% less fatty food, while the quality of all meals increased.
There have also been changes in the food produced and purchased. There still is a high amount of high-fat, high-sodium and high-sugar processed foods available, but so are versions of reduced sodium, sugar, fat – and more produce. Farmer’s markets are becoming more common, as are artisan and organic foods.
The study suggests that while it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the changes in eating habits, it’s probably due to a myriad of small, individual changes – from better labeling to more nutritious foods being available.
Other factors might include the replacement of the Food Pyramid with MyPlate launched in 2010 to help alleviate childhood obesity. The Great Recession of 2008 also might have necessitated that more Americans eat at home rather than dine out.
Source
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err-economic-research-report/err161#.UuLxCWTTnR2
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