USDA studies have found that Americans are consuming significantly more calories and foods per person on a daily basis then in the 1950’s or 1970’s. In 2000, food choices provided a total of 3,800 calories per person daily- nearly double the recommended 2,000 daily calorie intake. This amount is 500 more calories than the daily calorie intake in the 1970’s and 800 calories above 1957-58 consumption. The actual amount of daily calories consumed in 2000 was estimated to be approximately 2,700 per person. This figure still well exceeds recommended amounts. Between 1970 and 2000 daily caloric consumption increased by nearly a quarter: 24.5% or approximately 530 calories.
Of that 24.5% increase 9.5% was from increased consumption of grains (predominantly refined), 9% from added fats and oils, 4.7% from added sugars, while the smallest increase of 1.5% belonged to fruits and vegetables. With these percentages it’s not hard to see why most Americans do not get their recommended fruit and vegetable servings.
A potential parallel for the increase of calorie consumption is the increase of eating out. A USDA food intake survey has found that meals eaten out of the home accounted for 32% of total caloric consumption in 1994-96. In 1977-78, 18% of out of home meals accounted for caloric consumption. This data also suggests a correlation between increased caloric content and/or portion sizes while eating out. The increased percentages suggest that the eating out trend continues to increase.
Most Americans are generally unaware of caloric intake due to a personal disregard, unawareness, or lack of access to informational resources. A 2002 Food Marketing Institute survey entitled: “Trends: Consumer Attitudes and the Supermarket” found that 13% of those interviewed believed that caloric intake was a concern. This group was identified as “very or somewhat concerned” about their nutritional habits.
U.S. meat consumption has reached record levels. In 2000 consumption of red meat, poultry, and fish was estimated to have reached 195 pounds per person annually. This total is 57 pounds more than in the 1950’s.
Studies have also shown that Americans are consuming more high fat dairy products such as cheeses while consuming less healthful dairy products like milk. In 2000 Americans ate four times more cheese and drank 38% less milk than in the 1950’s. The average annual cheese consumption had increased 287% between 1950’s to 2000 from 7.7 lbs. annually to 29.8 lbs. An increase in the consumption of convenience foods is believed to be a factor in the increase of cheese consumption. More than half of the cheese consumed is from commercially manufactured and prepared foods such as: pizza, fast food sandwiches, spreads, sauces, and packaged snack foods.
Milk consumption per person declined from 36 gallons in the 1950’s to less than 23 gallons in 2000. Milk contains high amounts of calcium- the primary component of bones and teeth and is
essential in maintaining bone health, particularly for women. The consumption of more sodas, artificially flavored fruit drinks, and teas have replaced the consumption of milk. These drinks lack the nutritional benefits that milk has and can actually be a health detriment due to high calorie and sugar levels and lack of healthy, natural ingredients.
From 1997-2000 the consumption of added fats increased 17% from 64lbs. to 74.5 lbs. A 2000 Roper Reports Survey of U.S. adults found that 70% of Americans ate whatever they wanted with no regard for fat or caloric content. This demographic increased from 58% in 1997. The average use of additional fats and oils in 2000 increased 67% from 1950’s usage. This percentage excludes naturally occurring fats in foods. In 2000, Americans consumed 3 3/5 times more oil than in the 1950’s and twice as much shortening. In the 1950’s fats and oils contributed 41% of fat to the food supply. By 1999 the fats and oils group contributed 53% to total fat amounts- a 12% increase. This increase is generally attributed to a higher consumption of fried foods, high fat snack foods, and the increased usage of salad dressings. USDA food intake surveys have found that margarine, salad dressings, mayonnaise, cakes/sweet baked goods, and oils continue to consistently appear in the top 10 foods for fat contribution.
There is currently an inverse relationship in the American diet between how much whole grains should be consumed and actually are consumed. Many of the grains servings in the American diet are from refined grains which lack most of the healthful benefits that whole grains have. In 2000 per capita use of flour and cereal products increased to a 200lb annual average- up from 138lbs in the 1970’s and 155lbs in the 1950’s. In 2000, most Americans met or exceeded the recommended 10 servings of grain daily. However, these servings generally omitted the recommended three servings of whole grains daily. According to a USDA 1996 survey, only 7% of Americans met the daily whole grain recommendation.
American sugar consumption has also increased significantly. In 2000, American consumption of sugar was estimated to be 152 lbs. per person. This equates to 32 tsp. of additional sugar daily. Consumption of caloric sweeteners such as sucrose and high fructose corn syrup increased 43 lbs. or 39% between 1950-59 and 2000. The USDA recommends a maximum amount of 40g of added sugar consumed. This is equivalent to 10tsp. or one 12oz. soft drink. Sodas account for 22% of the consumption of refined and added sugars in 2000 an increase from 16% in the 1950’s.
Data has consistently shown that Americans are not only eating too much, they’re eating too much of the wrong foods that are calorie dense and high in fat and saturated fat. Regular physical activity, reduced portion sizes, and incorporating low fat and low calorie foods like Popcake pancakes into one’s diet can help combat the obesity epidemic that is currently gripping America, reduce body weight, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
