Processed Foods: What Americans Are Eating

Americans have drastically changed their shopping habits over the last 30 years. In an article recently published by Natural News—with statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor—indicates that not only are we spending less on groceries, but we’re spending more on genetically modified and processed foods. This includes frozen dinners, canned foods and baked goods. The study compares the “typical” American household in 1982 and today.

• Meats were the largest share of the grocery budget 30 years ago; today, meat has dropped to the second largest share.
• Fruits and vegetables have dropped from the second largest share to third largest.
• Grains and baked goods have dropped from the third to fourth largest share.
• Dairy products went from the fourth largest share to the least largest share in 2012.
• Drink purchases have increased over the 30 year period.

So what exactly does this study show us? We’re eating too much genetically modified and processed foods. With an increase in consumption of these foods, the level of high fructose corn syrup in our diets has increased. And with an increase in consumption of high fructose corn syrup (and sugar), we’ve experienced an increase in national obesity. The World Health Organization reports that the global obesity rate has more than doubled since 1980. That means that 65% of the world’s population is obese. The next time you’re at the grocery store, take a moment to think about how the last 30 years have changed the way we eat.