USDA Report: Americans Are Eating Healthier

WASHINGTON, DC (CBS) – Americans are eating healthier, according to new research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to the report, "Changes in Eating Patterns and Diet Quality Among Working-Age Adults, 2005-2010," more adults are checking out the Nutrition Facts Panel available on most food packages. Forty-two percent of working adults and 57% of older adults said they referenced the nutrition facts on various foods when making choices, and 76% of working-age adults reported they'd use nutrition information to make decisions in restaurants as well.

Americans are also eating less restaurant and fast-food meals, which accounts for 20-percent of the improvements. Calories consumed outside of the home dropped 127 per day, and on average, overall calories consumed dropped by 118 since 2005.

Additionally, the results of the report signify changing attitudes toward food and nutrition. The percentage of working class adults who felt they had the ability to change their body weight in 2010 was up three percentage points from 2007.

The report involved nearly 10,000 individuals and was conducted through physicals, physical exams and lab-work in two year segments.

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