The State of the American Diet

The American diet is reportedly too high in calories, total fat, saturated fat, added sugar, sodium, and refined grains but too low in omega-3 fats, fiber, and whole grains, fruits, vegetables and phytonutrients. Taste, health considerations, and economics are primary factors affecting food choices with convenience driving food intake as more meals are eaten away from home. The American food supply can support optimal dietary health and the array of healthy food choices available can accommodate almost all dietary preferences, needs, and resource constraints (time, energy, skill). The key to a dietary pattern that nurtures good health is learning to choose nutritious foods that also accommodate personal preferences like convenience and taste appeal.