Eating Habits of Americans Improving, USDA Claims

The U.S. Department of Agriculture claims that the eating habits of Americans have already improved, Nature World News reports.

According to the report, between 2005 and 2010, 42 percent of working-age adults and 57 percent of older adults used nutrition information most or all of the time when making food decisions. Furthermore, 76 percent of working-age adults said they would use nutrition information in restaurants if offered. "The Obama Administration is working hard to empower the American public to make smart choices every day at school, at home and in their communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

"We have made significant progress, but our work is not done. We will continue to invest in critical programs that expand the availability of healthy, safe, affordable food for all Americans." The USDA's report cited a recent study which showed calories consumed each day through food eaten in places other than the home dropped by an average of 127. Meanwhile, people on average ate three fewer meals and 1.5 fewer snacks per month away from their homes, which can translate to more family meals.

"We are pleased to hear that this study finds improvements in several key areas of the American diet," said Michael R. Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "FDA will soon propose an updated Nutrition Facts label designed to provide information that will make it even easier for people to make healthy choices." "When individuals believe that their actions affect their body weight, they might be more inclined to make healthier food choices," Jessica Todd of the Economic Research Service said.