Characteristics and Dietary Patterns of Healthy and Less-Healthy Eaters in the Low-Income Population

Characteristics and Dietary Patterns of Healthy and Less-Healthy Eaters in the Low-Income Population

Published: Feb 28, 2012
Publisher: Alexandria, VA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Research and Analysis

Clients

USDA

Authors

Mary Kay Fox

P.K. Newby

This report reviews sociodemographic and dietary characteristics of individuals in each group and describes their distinct dietary patterns, as identified through a cluster analysis of dietary intake. Individuals were classified as healthy or less-healthy eaters according to their scores on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2005. Among adults, characteristics associated with healthy eating include being female, older than 60, and foreign-born. Among children, they include being ages 2 to 5 and living in a household with a foreign-born individual. In addition, both child and adult healthy eaters were more likely than less-healthy eaters to eat breakfast, eat three meals daily, and consume fruits and vegetables.

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