scholarly journals Can Exercising and Eating Healthy Be Fun and Indulgent Instead of Boring and Depriving? Targeting Mindsets About the Process of Engaging in Healthy Behaviors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Z. Boles ◽  
Maysa DeSousa ◽  
Bradley P. Turnwald ◽  
Rina I. Horii ◽  
Taylor Duarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Behavior Study

This paper investigates mindsets about the process of health behaviors—the extent to which people associate physical activity and healthy eating with appealing (pleasurable, fun, indulgent) versus unappealing (unpleasant, boring, depriving) qualities—to promote greater engagement. Study 1 (N = 536) examined how mindsets about physical activity and healthy eating relate to current and future health behavior. Study 2 (N = 149) intervened in actual fitness classes to compare the effects of brief appeal-focused and health-focused interventions on mindsets about physical activity and class engagement. Study 3 (N = 140) designed nutrition education classes that emphasized either the appeal or the importance of fruits and vegetables for health and compared its effects on mindsets about healthy eating and actual fruit and vegetable consumption. Holding more appealing mindsets about health behaviors predicts subsequent physical activity and healthy eating (Study 1). An intervention targeting mindsets about the appeal of physical activity promotes greater participation in fitness classes than emphasizing the importance of meeting activity guidelines (Study 2). Proposed version 2: Meanwhile, interventions targeting mindsets about the appeal of healthy eating increases in-class fruit and vegetable selection more than emphasizing the importance of eating nutritious foods (Study 3), however additional work is needed to sustain such changes in eating behavior. These studies suggest mindsets about the process of health behaviors can be influential and changeable factors in motivating physical activity and healthy eating.

scholarly journals Healthy eating: a matter of prioritisation by households or policymakers?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Joreintje Dingena Mackenbach
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food System ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Decision Making Processes

Abstract I reflect upon the potential reasons why American low-income households do not spend an optimal proportion of their food budgets on fruits and vegetables, even though this would allow them to meet the recommended levels of fruit and vegetable consumption. Other priorities than health, automatic decision-making processes and access to healthy foods play a role, but solutions for the persistent socio-economic inequalities in diet should be sought in the wider food system which promotes cheap, mass-produced foods. I argue that, ultimately, healthy eating is not a matter of prioritisation by individual households but by policymakers.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Workplace Wellness Program on Provider Health in Early Childhood Education Settings

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie N. Powers ◽  
Charlotte V. Farewell ◽  
Emily Maiurro ◽  
Jini Puma
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Workplace Wellness ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Childhood Education

Background: Early childhood education (ECE) working environments often contribute to poor health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe healthy eating–related and physical activity–related awareness and adoption of behavior change of ECE providers after participating in a workplace wellness (WW) program and to explore facilitators and barriers to ECE provider participation in WW program. Methods: The WW program offered healthy eating and physical activity challenges to promote ECE provider health and well-being. Approximately 1,000 ECE providers in Colorado from 35 ECE settings were invited to participate. After the intervention, ECE providers completed two surveys: (a) a provider postsurvey and (b) a WW challenge survey. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to examine factors associated with percent agreement that participation in the WW program increased awareness and adoption of health behaviors. Findings: A total of 250 (25%) ECE providers participated in WW program from 2015 to 2017. After participation, approximately 84% of respondents agreed they were more aware of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and of being physically active, while 81% reported eating more fruits and vegetables, and 80% reported being more physically active in the workplace. Logistic regression models found that the length of time teaching in ECE settings was positively and significantly associated (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.00, 1.21]) with the odds of providers agreeing that participation in the WW program increased their awareness of health behaviors. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The design and implementation of WW programs that emphasize facilitators, such as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, as well as reduce barriers, such as time constraints and unachievable goal setting, may increase the awareness and adoptions of healthy eating–related and physical activity–related behaviors among ECE work settings.

scholarly journals Parents Attending a Family Weight Management Program Perceive Similar Home Fruit and Vegetable Accessibility, but Greater Child Proxy Agency and Physical Activity Opportunity

2007 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard R. Rosenkranz ◽  
Karly S. Geller ◽  
David. A. Dzewaltowski
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Physical Activity Opportunity

Many children do not meet current guidelines for physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption, two areas of health-related behavior with links to obesity. Objective: To examine child and parent perceptions of child proxy agency, home physical activity opportunity, and home accessibility of fruits and vegetables. Methods: Dyads (N = 117) of parents and children completed questionnaires for this cross-sectional study. Results: For child proxy agency, fruits and vegetables accessibility, and physical activity opportunity, the parent and child perceptions were significantly related. Parent ratings of physical activity opportunity and child proxy agency were significantly greater than child ratings. Perceptions of both parents and children for proxy agency were associated with fruits and vegetables accessibility and physical activity opportunity. Conclusions: Parents and children hold similar, yet distinct perceptions of physical activity opportunity and child proxy agency. Perceptions of child proxy agency are associated with obesity-related home environmental characteristics.

scholarly journals Using epidemiological models to estimate the health effects of diet behaviour change: the example of tailored fruit and vegetable promotion

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Lennert Veerman ◽  
Jan J Barendregt ◽  
Johan P Mackenbach ◽  
Johannes Brug
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Epidemiological Models ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Life Years

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the use of epidemiological modelling for the estimation of health effects of behaviour change interventions, using the example of computer-tailored nutrition education aimed at fruit and vegetable consumption in The Netherlands.DesignThe effects of the intervention on changes in consumption were obtained from an earlier evaluation study. The effect on health outcomes was estimated using an epidemiological multi-state life table model. Input data for the model consisted of relative risk estimates for cardiovascular disease and cancers, data on disease occurrence and mortality, and survey data on the consumption of fruits and vegetables.ResultsIf the computer-tailored nutrition education reached the entire adult population and the effects were sustained, it could result in a mortality decrease of 0.4 to 0.7% and save 72 to 115 life-years per 100 000 persons aged 25 years or older. Healthy life expectancy is estimated to increase by 32.7 days for men and 25.3 days for women. The true effect is likely to lie between this theoretical maximum and zero effect, depending mostly on durability of behaviour change and reach of the intervention.ConclusionEpidemiological models can be used to estimate the health impact of health promotion interventions.

Promoting Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Through a Community-School Partnership: The Effects of Marathon Kids® on Low-Income Elementary School Children in Texas

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Springer ◽  
Steven H. Kelder ◽  
Nalini Ranjit ◽  
Heather Hochberg-Garrett ◽  
Sherman Crow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
School Children ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Elementary School Children ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
The Impact

Background:Marathon Kids® (MK) is a community and school-based program that promotes running, walking, and healthy eating in elementary school children. This study assessed the impact of MK on self-reported physical activity (PA), fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC), and related psycho-social factors in a sample of low-income, 4th- and 5th-grade students in Texas (n = 511). Intervention strategies included structured school running time, behavioral tracking, celebratory events, and rewards.Methods:A quasi-experimental design with 5 intervention (MK) and 3 comparison schools was employed. Students were assessed at baseline in the fall and at 3 time points during 2008 to 09. Mixed-effect regression methods were used to model pooled means, adjusting for baseline and sociodemographic variables.Results:MK students reported a higher mean time of running in past 7 days compared with non-MK students (mean = 4.38 vs. 3.83, respectively. P = .002), with a standardized effect size of 0.16. Mean times of FVC (P = .008), athletic identity self-concept (P < .001), PA outcome expectations (P = .007), and PA and FVC self-efficacy (P < .001 and P = .02, respectively) were also higher in MK students. Fewer differences in social support were observed.Conclusion:Findings provide further evidence on the importance of community and school partnerships for promoting PA and healthy eating in children.

scholarly journals Take Five, a nutrition education intervention to increase fruit and vegetable intakes: impact on attitudes towards dietary change

1998 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie S. Anderson ◽  
David N. Cox ◽  
Susan McKellar ◽  
Joanna Reynolds ◽  
M. E. J. Lean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Education Intervention ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Situational Barriers ◽  
Public Health Campaigns

To assess the response of low consumers of fruit and vegetables to a nutrition education intervention programme, data were collected from 104 adults on attitudinal variables related to ‘eating more fruit, vegetables and vegetable dishes’. Questionnaires (based on the theory of planned behaviour) assessing perceived barriers to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption were administered before an action-orientated intervention programme and at the end of the intervention period (8 weeks). Questionnaire scores for belief-evaluations in the intervention groups pre- and post-study indicated that support of family and friends, food costs, time constraints and shopping practicalities (in order to increase intake of fruit, vegetable and vegetable dishes) were barriers to greater consumption of these foodstuffs. Perceived situational barriers to increasing intakes of fruits and vegetables were: limited availability of vegetables, salads and fruit at work canteens, take-aways, friends' houses and at work generally. Following the intervention the number of visits to the shops was perceived as a greater barrier for increasing intakes of fruit and vegetables. Perceived practical opportunities for increasing intakes highlighted drinking fruit juice, taking fruit as a dessert, having fruit as a between-meal snack and eating two portions of vegetables with a meal. About two-thirds of intervention subjects achieved the recommended fruit and vegetable target, but it is concluded that practical issues and situational barriers need to be addressed for the success of future public health campaigns.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Krebs-Smith ◽  
Jerianne Heimendinger ◽  
Blossom H. Patterson ◽  
Amy F. Subar ◽  
Ronald Kessler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable

Purpose. This study examined the relationship between various psychosocial factors and fruit and vegetable consumption. Design. The 5 A Day Baseline Survey, conducted in August 1991, just before the initiation of the 5 A Day for Better Health Program, obtained data on adults' intakes of, and their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding, fruits and vegetables. Setting. The survey was conducted by telephone. Subjects. Subjects were 2811 adults (response rate, 43%) aged 18 years and older in the 48 coterminous United States. Measures. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured as self-reported frequency of use; most of the psychosocial variables were measured using Likert scales. Results. This study estimates that only 8% of American adults thought that five or more servings of fruits and vegetables were needed for good health. Of the factors studied, the most important in determining someone's fruit and vegetable intake were the number of servings they thought they should have in a day, whether they liked the taste, and whether they had been in the habit of eating many fruits and vegetables since childhood. These few factors accounted for 15% more of the variation in fruit and vegetable consumption than did demographic variables alone (8%). Conclusions. Nutrition education should stress the need to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day because few adults are aware of this recommendation and such knowledge is strongly associated with increased intake. Furthermore, efforts to increase the palatability of fruits and vegetables, especially among children, should be promoted.

scholarly journals The effect of a fresh produce incentive paired with cooking and nutrition education on healthy eating in low-income households: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Angela R Fertig ◽  
Xuyang Tang ◽  
Heather M Dahlen
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Financial Incentive ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group

Abstract Objective: This study pilot-tested combining financial incentives to purchase fruits and vegetables with nutrition education focused on cooking to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables and improve attitudes around healthy eating on a budget among low-income adults. The goal of the pilot study was to examine implementation feasibility and fidelity, acceptability of the intervention components by participants and effectiveness. Design: The study design was a pre-post individual-level comparison without a control group. The pilot intervention included two components, a scan card providing free produce up to a weekly maximum dollar amount for use over a 2-month period, and two sessions of tailored nutrition and cooking education. Outcomes included self-reported attitudes about healthy eating and daily fruit and vegetable consumption from one 24-h dietary recall collected before and after the intervention. Setting: Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Minnesota. Participants: Adults (n 120) were recruited from five community food pantries. Results: Findings indicated that the financial incentive component of the intervention was highly feasible and acceptable to participants, but attendance at the nutrition education sessions was moderate. Participants had a statistically significant increase in the consumption of fruit, from an average of 1·00 cup/d to 1·78 cups/d (P < 0·001), but no significant change in vegetable consumption or attitudes with respect to their ability to put together a healthy meal. Conclusions: While combining financial incentives with nutrition education appears to be acceptable to low-income adult participants, barriers to attend nutrition education sessions need to be addressed in future research.

scholarly journals Parent Instrumentality for Adolescent Eating and Activity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Orehek ◽  
Rebecca Ferrer
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
National Sample ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Adolescent Engagement ◽  
Healthy Activity

Background: Parent-adolescent interactions have health implications for adolescents. Parents can be instrumental to healthy eating by purchasing fruits and vegetables or refraining from purchasing hedonic (low nutrient, high energy-dense) foods. Parents can be instrumental to healthy activity by modeling exercise behavior or discouraging sedentary activities. Purpose: This research leverages theory on goal pursuit within relationships to investigate whether parents are instrumental to adolescent’s eating and activity. Methods: Using a national sample of 1556 parent-adolescent dyads, we conducted dyadic analyses to examine whether parent instrumentality (both parent-perceived and adolescent-perceived) for healthy behaviors was associated with adolescent engagement in those behaviors. We examined whether the link between parent instrumentality and adolescent BMI was mediated by parent instrumentality. We also explored whether parent instrumentality was associated with parent behaviors and parent BMI. Results: Greater adolescent-perceived parent instrumentality was associated with greater fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, and lower sedentariness. Parent-perceived parent instrumentality was associated with greater adolescent fruit and vegetable consumption, less hedonic eating, and more activity. Mediation modeling suggests that adolescent BMI is partially attributable to parent instrumentality for activity. Instrumental parents also engage in healthier behaviors, some of which in turn are associated with lower parent BMI. Conclusions: Findings have implications for the promotion of healthy eating and activity patterns among adolescents. Parental instrumentality for behavior may be an important target for interventions to improve adolescent health, and interventions may be most successful in facilitating adolescent behavior change if they target both parent- and adolescent-perceived parent instrumentality.

scholarly journals Preliminary Examination of the Impact of a Gardening Program on Confidence, Physical Activity, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, and Quality of Life

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 783A-783
Author(s):  
Mu-Chuan Lin ◽  
Candice Shoemaker* ◽  
Nancy Gyurcsik
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Home Garden ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
The Impact

Older adults are not sufficiently physically active and do not consume sufficient fruits and vegetables to achieve health benefits, such as an improved health-related quality of life (HRQL). As a result, an innovative gardening intervention, comprised of stretching exercises, the teaching of home garden knowledge and skills, and the preparation and taste testing of fruits and vegetables, was developed to target increased: (a) confidence to garden and to consume fruits and vegetables, (b) physical activity, (c) fruit and vegetable consumption, and (d) HRQL. Seven older adults, aged 60 years or older, participated in the gardening intervention and 10 older adults participated in the control group during the fall. Measures of confidence, physical activity (i.e., gardening), fruit and vegetable consumption, and HRQL were obtained at baseline and at the end of the 10-week program. Findings revealed that, at baseline, intervention participants had significantly higher confidence to garden compared to control participants but at end-program intervention and control participants did not significantly differ in any of the outcome variables. Bivariate findings also revealed that intervention participants who had higher confidence to garden or to consume fruits and vegetables at baseline also gardened more at end-program. Thus, interventions targeting confidence to garden and to consume fruits and vegetables may be effective in improving gardening (i.e., physical activity) behavior. Findings also suggest that seasonal change may be one influential moderator of the gardening program on confidence and gardening and fruit and vegetable consumption behavior change. Future research should examine the impact of the program in different seasons to clarify the effects.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document