How do different people define ‘healthy food’?

In a recent study published in the journal Nutrientsresearchers investigated the perceptions and barriers to healthy eating among undergraduate students in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HND) and Food Science and Technology (FST) Programs in Spain.

They found differences in how males and females, as well as students at different academic levels, defined healthy eating, with the main barriers including family eating patterns, time constraints, and emotional state, emphasizing its importance it is to address these perceptions in the education of the future. nutrition and food science professionals.

Study: What Is Considered Healthy Eating? An Exploratory Study Among College Nutrition and Food Science Students. Image Credit: udra11 / Shutterstock

Background

In modern industrialized societies, the discourse surrounding healthy eating has intensified, fueled by concerns about changing population demographics, increased obesity rates, and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.

Despite efforts by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and governments such as the European Union to promote healthy diets, there is no universal definition of what constitutes a healthy diet, and interpretations vary based on factors such as gender, age and culture. background.

Health care and food professionals, including dietitians and food scientists, play a key role in promoting healthy eating. However, their views on healthy eating can vary greatly and may influence their practices.

Understanding these perceptions, especially during their formative education, is essential to ensure that academic programs adequately address diverse attitudes toward healthy eating.

About the study

This study examined the perceptions and barriers to healthy eating among undergraduate students in HND and FST programs at a Spanish university.

The study utilized an exploratory and descriptive cross-sectional design, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies to understand college students’ understanding of food and healthy diets.

A convenience sample of male and female students enrolled on HND and FST programs at the University of Barcelona was selected. Data collection involved a questionnaire based on previous research and focus group discussions.

Focus group transcripts were thematically analyzed to identify key themes. The completed questionnaire was administered online, and a total of 300 responses were received.

Statistical analysis, carried out using SPSS, showed significant differences in the views of gender and academic year groups.

Descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, were used, and chi-square tests were used to determine significant differences in response frequencies at a 5% significance level.

Results

The study revealed some key findings regarding college students’ attitudes to health, body and diet. Most of the students considered that they had good health and acknowledged the impact of eating food on health.

Although most students rated their diets as healthy, differences emerged between HND and FST students regarding the ease of maintaining a healthy diet and the importance of personal will in doing so.

HND students tended to believe their diets were healthier and easier to maintain compared to FST students, who placed more emphasis on personal willpower. In addition, significant differences were observed between gender and academic year groups regarding perceptions of health, body image, and barriers to adopting a healthy diet.

Barriers to healthy eating by gender.

Qualitatively, the students emphasized the importance of variety, balance, moderation and personalization in healthy food, often linking it to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and thinking about it rather than just following nutritional guidelines.

However, some FST students highlighted a perceived conflict between healthy eating and personal pleasure, suggesting a dichotomy between health and pleasure in food choices.

Quantitatively, statistical analysis revealed differences in the importance of various healthy eating factors between HND and FST students and across different academic years.

In addition, significant gender differences were found in perceptions of barriers to adopting a healthy diet, with emotional state and autonomy to choose a diet more influential for women, while lack of autonomy was more influential for men.

Overall, the study highlights the complexity of perceptions of health, diet, and barriers to healthy eating among college students, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches and tailored interventions to promote healthy eating practices to promote.

Conclusions

The study examines perceptions of healthy eating among HND and FST university students in Spain, highlighting the greatest belief in the healthiness of their diets, especially among HND students.

It recognizes a trend towards individual responsibility in dietary choices influenced by societal norms and aesthetic ideals. While both groups prioritize balance and variety, FST students emphasize fresh and natural foods, while HND students value pleasure in eating.

Barriers to healthy eating include family habits, time constraints, and emotional state. The study suggests a need for a critical examination of attitudes during student training and the development of strategies that address environmental and individual factors.

Limitations, however, include a single-institution sample and potential biases in data collection methods, suggesting the need for broader and more diverse research approaches in future studies.