Only 16 percent of adults aged 18 to 29 have three meals and no snacks in a typical day, compared with 35 percent of those aged 60 and older. Only 20 percent of those in suburban counties eat three squares, compared with 30 percent in rural areas. Some factors do not influence eating habits. Married couples where both spouses work are no more or no less likely to eat three meals a day than are all married couples. Men and women show no significant differences in their habits, nor do the different regions of the country.
College graduates are just a little more likely than high school grads to eat three meals a day.
Only slight differences in eating habits exist by occupation, with one exception. Executives are a little more inclined to get their three square meals per day. When sit-down meals go away, so do eating utensils. Three-quarters of the foods included in their report are entrees. Those most likely to exist on microwave egg rolls, burritos, and bagels are young adults, people in precision craft occupations, and families with teenagers.