Top Nutrition Trends

Survey: People Eating More Whole Grains, Vegetables, Fruits

Whole grains are hot, trans fat is not, and more people say they're doing all they can to eat right. In the survey, 783 adults dish on their diet and exercise habits.

Nutrition Trends:

Consumption of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits is up.

Trans fat, beef, pork, and dairy consumption is down.

More people have a good attitude toward diet and exercise and say they're doing their best to eat healthfully.

Here's a closer look at those findings and the nutrition trends.

Here are the top five foods or nutrients that survey participants say they've increased during the past five years:

Whole grains: 56% say they're eating more

Vegetables: Half of participants say they're eating more vegetables

Fruits: 48% say they're eating more fruit

Low-fat foods: 48% say they're eating more low-fat foods

Omega-3 fatty acids: 38% say they've boosted their consumption

The upward trend in consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is good news. It is encouraging to see those findings.

Here are the top five foods or nutrients that participants report reducing during the past five years.

Trans fat: 56% say they've cut back on foods containing trans fat

Beef: 41% say they're eating less beef

Pork: 33% report eating less pork

Dairy: 23% say they've cut back

Low-sugar foods: 20% say they've cut back

People may be cutting back on beef, pork, and dairy because of cost and the hunt for lower-fat foods. There are lower-fat alternatives within those three foods of beef, pork, and dairy. They do provide an excellent source of certain nutrients, such as calcium, protein, and vitamin D in dairy products, and protein, iron, and B vitamins in pork and dairy.

More People Eating Better

More people are improving their attitude toward diet and exercise and taking action for a healthier diet, according to the survey.

The participants are split into three groups. "I'm already doing it," "Don't bother me," and "I know I should". based on how they answer various survey questions about diet and exercise habits.

Here's how the groups ranked this year and compared to the 2002 survey:

I'm already doing it: 43% (up from 38% in 2002)

I know I should: 38% (up from 30% in 2002)

Don't bother me: 19% (down from 32% in 2002)

The shift out of the "don't bother me" category and into the "I'm already doing it" category shows that "consumers are certainly becoming more aware of the importance of balanced and healthy eating, [and] regular physical activity.

But there's still room for improvement. What we would like to see is more of the 'I know I shoulds' moving into the 'I already am'" category.

Top Excuses for Not Eating Better

Why aren't people doing more to improve their diets? Here are the top five reasons from the survey:

79% say they're satisfied with the way they eat.

73% say they don't want to give up the foods they like.

54% say it takes too much time to keep track of their diet.

52% say they need more practical tips for healthy eating.

41% say they don't know or understand diet and nutrition guidelines.

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