Go Light When You Grab a Bite

Families in America lead busy lives – balancing work, school, and play. Our busy schedules often mean eating more meals on the go.

In 1960, over a quarter of the money spent on food in the United States was on food eaten away from home.

[Picture of: a bar chart with a Y axis that lists percentages from 0-100 and an X axis that lists the year 1960. The first bar is a white paper bag with food containers representing food purchased and consumed away from home] 26%

[Picture of: a brown paper grocery bag, filled with fresh produce] 74%

By 2011, the money spent on food eaten away from home in the United States jumped to nearly half.

[Picture of: a bar chart with a Y axis that lists percentages from 0-100 and an X axis that lists the year 2011. The first bar is a white paper bag with food containers representing food purchased and consumed away from home] 49%

[Picture of: a brown paper grocery bag, filled with fresh produce] 51%

The average American eats away from home four times a week, and studies have shown that can translate to putting on 8 extra pounds a year. The more you eat away from home, the more the pounds can add up.

[Picture of: a blue lunch box and an apple] But eating on the go doesn’t have to mean extra pounds. By planning ahead you can pack a meal or snack to take with you.

[Picture of: a salad in a bowl with a glass of fruit juice] Or if you need to grab some food on the go choose healthier options or smaller sizes.

Making small changes when we’re eating out or on-the-go can make a big difference in our health – and our waistlines.

[Picture of: CDC Logo]

For more information visit MakingHealthEasier.org/GoLight

Sources: 1. USDA Economic Research Service, Food Expenditure Series. 2. Mancino L, Todd J, Lin B. (2009). Separating what we eat from where. Measuring the effect of food away from home on diet quality. Food Policy, 34, 557-562.