The cost and composition of a healthy diet is of concern to all people interested in improving their eating habits. On average people have a diet that needs improvement or is poor. This paper attempts to answer two questions: What is the cost of a healthy diet that deviates as little as possible from average consumption and of what foods is it composed? Data from USDA’s Food Price Database, which is based on USDA’s Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1989-91 and selected sources of national food prices, were used to do this. This database contains information on average food intakes, the nutrient values of these foods, and food prices. A mathematical optimization model was used to derive the cost of a healthy diet. A healthy diet was defined as one that meets current dietary recommendations including Food Guide Pyramid serving recommendations. Results show that a healthy diet that deviates as little as possible from population-weighted average consumption would cost approximately $47 per week for the average person (in 1999 dollars)–about 38 percent more than the cost of the average person’s consumption. Compared to average consumption, a healthy diet contains more fruit (citrus and noncitrus), skim milk, low fat yogurt, high fiber bread, breakfast cereal, and dark green and mixed vegetables. It contains less whole milk, eggs, rice and pasta, and foods high in fat.
Learning Objectives: Understand the concept of changing one's diet to meet dietary recommendations while deviating as little as possible from usual consumption
Keywords: Cost Issues, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.