TheInternational Food Information Council (IFIC)just released a survey jam-packed with the insider details about how 1,011 Americans eat, drink and shop during this unique, ever-changing year.
Whilethe reportis full of interesting details about howAmericans are eating differently during the pandemic(cooking at home more often, washing produce more thoroughly) and how many feel well versed in the currentdietary guidelines(less than one in four), what we found most fascinating was the data about diets. Of those surveyed, 43% say they have followed a specific diet or eating pattern within the past 12 months, which is up 5% from the same time last year and 7% since 2018.
In 2019, clean eating topped the charts at 10%, with intermittent fasting close behind at 9%. Gluten-free, low-carb and ketogenic or high-fat tied for third most popular (6%).Paleoand Whole30 started to decrease in popularity that year.
“The two most popular are those that offer a level of customization. There is no exact definition of ‘clean eating.’ There is no one way to do intermittent fasting, and there aren’t any boundaries on what you can or can’t eat,” Webster says. “People are able to adapt these eating patterns to what works for them, rather than having to conform to a specific set of rules.”
“These diets are trends that have staying power, at least over the last few years,” Webster says.
She, like us, was surprised to see proven longevity-boosting plans like the Mediterranean Diet and DASH Diet absent from the list. (BTW, this is the#1 food to help you live longer, according to one longevity expert.)
“As a dietitian, I think it’s important to make recommendations that are grounded in science and a large body of evidence to support their use. Eating patterns like the Mediterranean Diet and DASH Diet have been extensively studied and have shown beneficial health effects in many populations. Ultimately, the best eating plan is one that is based on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats,” she says.
5 Ways to Help Your Diet Become a Way of Life
Even more popular than any of these popular diets? Snacking.
“Nearly 4 in 10 replace meals with snacking at least occasionally, with lunch being the most common meal that is replaced,” Webster says. (Try thesequick, light lunchesif you’re crunched for time—you deserve real snacksandmeals.)
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