A B S T R A C T ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize away-from-home meals.
MethodsThis population-based, cross-sectional study measured dietary intake by administering 24-hour recalls by telephone. Away-from-home breakfast, lunch, and dinner were described and characterized according to the foods that contribute most to the intake of energy, fat, sodium, and added sugar per meal.
ResultsOf the 834 respondents, 24% had had at least one meal away from home. The average energy intake per away-from-home meal was 628 kcal (±101 kcal), about 35% of the average daily intake for this population. Meals contained both healthy foods, such as rice, beans, and fish, and unhealthy foods, such as soft drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and pizza.
ConclusionIndividuals who ate away from home had worse diets. However, the presence of healthy foods indicates a possibility of improvement if purposeful programmatic actions are taken.Indexing terms: Eating. Feeding behavior. Food habits.
R E S U M O
ObjetivoO presente estudo tem como objetivo caracterizar as refeições realizadas fora do lar.