by Marion Nestle
Dec
12
2012
We eat what we buy. Both need improvement, says USDA.
USDA’s Economic Research Service has just issued a report, Assessing the Healthfulness of Consumers’ Grocery Purchases.
The bottom line? Americans buy fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended but far more refined grains, sugars, and meat.
Here’s the summary diagram:
These results should not come as a surprise. According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, the leading sources of calories in U.S. diets are:
- Grain-based desserts
- Breads
- Chicken and chicken dishes
- Sodas and other sugary beverages
- Pizza
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pasta and pasta dishes
- Tortillas, burritos, tacos
- Beef and beef dishes
- Dairy desserts
We eat what we buy (or are given).
That’s why congressional pressure to increase grains and meat in school lunches (see yesterday’s post) is questionable from a public health standpoint.
