Incorporating away-from-home foods into a healthy eating plan

In our often time-pressed society, convenience is a way of life for many individuals. Foods and meals prepared outside of the home are an increasingly important part of the American diet.1, 2 This is a trend that has coincided with a dramatic rise in the prevalence of obesity. While food, wherever prepared, is not the only factor affecting body weight, awayfrom-home food should be an important consideration for people aiming to maintain or lose weight. A growing body of literature indicates that the eating of away-from-home food can be a factor influencing energy intake. Informed choices pertaining to awayfrom-home food could help reduce calorie over­ consumption and aid in weight management.