Diet Quality is Lower and Energy Intake Greater on Weekends than Weekdays: A One‐Year Longitudinal Study of Midlife Women

Abstract

ObjectiveTo test differences in dietary intake by individual day and on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) compared to weekdays using energy and macronutrient intake, food groupings and Healthy Eating Index‐2010 diet quality scores.MethodsLongitudinal design; 52 women ages 40–60 y completed online diet recalls approximately every 10 days for one year using the Automated Self‐administered 24‐hour Recall system. Energy (kcal), macronutrient (%en) and food group portions were derived. Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI‐2010) total and component scores were calculated. Differences were tested by mixed model analysis of variance.ResultsWomen completed a total of 1,866 diet recalls. Reported energy intake was greater on weekends than on weekdays (1990 ± 62 kcal vs 1832 ± 53 kcal; P<0.001). Reported %en from protein and carbohydrate was lower and %en from alcohol greater on weekends. There was no difference in the % energy from fat (34.3 ± 0.7 vs 33.4 ± 0.6, respectively; P = 0.07). On weekends, women reported consuming more alcohol, added sugar, fats and oils, eggs, potatoes, meats, and refined grains and less yogurt, whole fruits, orange vegetables, and whole grains than on weekdays. The total HEI‐2010 score was lower on weekends than weekdays (58.5 ± 1.5 vs 62.0 ± 1.4; P <0.001). Component scores were lower for Whole Fruits (P = 0.003), Greens and Beans (P = 0.017), Whole Grains (P = 0.002), and Dairy (P = 0.003). Energy intake was greatest on Saturday (2061 ± 78 kcal) and lowest on Tuesday (1756 ± 52 kcal). The %en from carbohydrate was greatest on weekdays and lowest on Friday. The %en from protein was lowest on Saturday. The %en consumed as alcohol was significantly greater on Friday and Saturday than all other days of the week.ConclusionsIn this population, weekend eating was associated with lower diet quality scores and different dietary patterns than weekdays. Maintaining weekday intakes of yogurt, whole fruits, orange vegetables and whole grains would be beneficial. Avoiding weekend overindulgence in alcohol, added sugars, and fats may help individuals maintain a healthy weight while consuming a variety of nutrient‐rich foods.Support or Funding InformationUSDA‐ARS 3062‐51000‐051‐00D.