Food away from home

Food Away From Home (FAFH) refers to meals and snacks prepared outside the home, including food from restaurants, fast food outlets, school cafeterias, and other away-from-home sources. The consumption of FAFH has been increasing in many countries, and this trend has implications for diet quality and health.

Overview

Food Away From Home is a term used to describe food that is prepared and consumed outside of the home. This includes food from restaurants, fast food outlets, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. It also includes food purchased from grocery stores that is prepared and eaten outside of the home, such as pre-packaged sandwiches or salads.

Trends in Food Away From Home Consumption

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the consumption of FAFH in many countries. This trend is driven by a variety of factors, including changes in lifestyle, increased urbanization, and the growth of the food service industry. The increase in FAFH consumption has been associated with changes in dietary patterns and food choices, with potential implications for diet quality and health.

Impact on Diet and Health

The consumption of FAFH has been associated with higher intake of calories, fat, and sodium, and lower intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. This is largely due to the types of foods that are commonly consumed away from home, which often include fast food, sugary drinks, and other high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. The increased consumption of FAFH has been linked to a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diet-related chronic diseases.

Strategies to Improve the Nutritional Quality of Food Away From Home

There are several strategies that can be used to improve the nutritional quality of FAFH. These include menu labeling, portion control, and the promotion of healthier food choices. Menu labeling involves providing information about the nutritional content of foods on menus, which can help consumers make healthier food choices. Portion control involves serving smaller portions of high-calorie foods, which can help reduce calorie intake. The promotion of healthier food choices involves encouraging consumers to choose healthier options when eating away from home, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

See Also

• Fast food
• Restaurant
• Diet (nutrition)
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes