News from the December 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic A...( CHICAGO The December issue of the ...)

CHICAGO The December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association features research studies focusing on the everyday eating habits of consumers. Researchers look at why fast foods continue to be a popular meal choice and methods for adding healthier foods to a person's diet.

Studies published in the December 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic Association include:

• Why Eat at Fast-Food Restaurants: Reported Reasons among Frequent Consumers
• Menu Modeling with MyPyramid Food Patterns: Incremental Dietary Changes Lead to Dramatic Improvements in Diet Quality of Menus
• Soft Drink Intake Is Associated with Diet Quality Even among Young Japanese Women with Low Soft Drink Intake
• Nutrient Intake and Immune Function of Elderly Subjects
• Using Nutrition Labeling as a Potential Tool for Changing Eating Habits of University Dining Hall Patrons
• Increased Energy Density of the Home-Delivered Lunch Meal Improves 24-Hour Nutrient Intakes in Older Adults

Frequent Fast-Food Customers Cite Reasons for Their Patronage

Researchers at the University of Minnesota say the main reason most people eat at fast-food restaurants is because fast-food is fast.

According to the six-month study of 605 people who said they eat at fast-food places at least once per week, 92 percent cited quickness as the top reason they eat fast food. Eighty percent said it was because the restaurants were easily found and 69 percent said it was because the food tastes good.

About one in five participants in the study (21 percent) said they eat at fast-food restaurants because they offer nutritious food options.

The researchers write: "Foods available in restaurants and other away-from-home eating locations tend to be higher in calories and fat compared to foods from home. Thus, public health strategies to either reduce consumption of fast food or improve food choices at fast-food r
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