The core diet of lower‐economic class women in Georgia

Abstract

Diet histories were obtained from 114 women attending public health clinics in 10 counties in northeast Georgia, USA, in 1975. A simple pattern of food intake was shown. The core diet, or constant part, was made up of only 24% of the food items but provided 69% of the diet energy. This core diet consisted of snack foods, cereals, milk, meats, fruit and beverages. Although there were minor differences between black and white cultural groups, the diet was consistent with respect to specific items and amounts present. The secondary food items (.apprx. 33% of the foods consumed) provided 27% of the diet energy. These were influenced considerably more by cultural differences. The remaining 43% of the food items in the group diet contributed 4% of the diet energy and were of little significance in relation to any nutrient.