New evidence suggests Americans are shaving off calories and improving their diets.

Adults cut their calories by almost 100 a day between 2005 and 2010, mainly because they consumed fewer calories from fast-food places and other restaurants, according to a new analysis from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

They are consuming slightly less saturated (animal) fat and a bit more fiber, the study shows. And families say they began eating more meals together during that time period, and more of those meals were home-cooked.

There were improvements in the quality of food prepared at home and away from home, said study author Jessica Todd, a research economist with the USDA’s Economic Research Service. These changes may be “a silver lining” of the 2007-09 recession, “because the recession likely left people with more time to choose healthier foods and to prepare more meals at home.”

Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst for NPD Group, a market- research firm tracking eating trends, says during this time period, many people experienced a drop in income, and people lowered their food costs by using restaurants less because restaurant meals cost three times more than meals made at home. NPD research shows Americans are using restaurants less and eating more meals at home, he said.

The findings come at a time when the obesity epidemic is believed to be leveling off after several decades of skyrocketing growth. In 2012, about 34.9 percent of the people in the U.S. were obese, which is about 35 pounds more than a healthy weight. That is not significantly different from the 35.7 percent in 2010 or 32 percent in 2004.

One particular finding was adults showed more interest in nutrition information including in the Nutrition Facts Panel on products as well as health claims on packages between 2007 and 2010.

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