Americans Finally Eating Fewer Calories

For the first time in decades, Americans are eating less than they have in the past.

Federal statistics show the amount of food consumed peaked in 2003. Since then Americans have been taking in fewer calories.

The New York Times reports that decline is seen in most major demographic groups, including higher and lower income families, blacks and whites.

One of the biggest changes: people are drinking 25 percent less full-calorie sodas since the peak in the late 1990s.

The dropoff in calories apparently comes from people realizing that eating and drinking too much is bad for their health.