Diets of American women, in 1985

Compared with 1977, women in 1985 consumed more skim and lowfat milk; soft drinks; mixtures that were mainly meat, poultry and fish; and grain products. They consumed less whole milk, less meat (as nonmixtures) and fewer eggs. In 1985, the mean percent of calories from fat was similar for both low- and high-income women. High-income women ate less meat, eggs and whole milk than did low-income women, but they ate more cheese, cream and milk desserts, baked goods, table fats and salad dressings. Regardless of income, mean intakes by women were below the Recommended Dietary Allowances for six nutrients: vitamin B-6, folacin, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. Both snacking and eating away from home increased between 1977 and 1985.