Analyzing data
Americans have had different eating patterns over the past 45 years. The chart above shows the pounds of each food item consumed per year by the average American. The beef consumption has decreased dramatically from a peak of 68 lbs per year in 1976. In 2014, the average American only consumed about 39 lbs per year, a reduction of 43%. This change is likely due to the negative stigma that "red meat" has in the US today. Americans have been more conscious about their eating habits, and turning away from beef is a part of that. To compensate for this, many Americans turned to chicken as a source of protein. Chicken took over a large portion of that meat consumption dropped by beef. For the most part, the amount of the other foods on the chart stayed consistent over the 45 year span. However, almonds in particular have seen a spike since about 2005.