scholarly journals Family Meals, Conviviality and the Mediterranean Diet among Families with Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2499
Author(s):  
Andrea de la Torre-Moral ◽  
Sergi Fàbregues ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Albert Fornieles-Deu ◽  
F. Xavier Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Meal Composition

Two aspects that characterize the Mediterranean diet (MD) are “what” and “how” we eat. Conviviality relates to “how” we eat and to the pleasure of sharing meals with significant people. The most studied concept is “family meals”, which includes conviviality, which involves “enjoying” family meals. Given the lack of research on convivial family meals in Mediterranean countries, the purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the family meal representations and practices of families with 12- to 16-year-old adolescents to assess whether they responded to a pattern of conviviality, and to examine their association with MD adherence. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted and food frequency and family meal questionnaires were administered. A food pattern analysis was carried out and digital photos of meals were analyzed to examine eating habits and meal composition, respectively. The findings showed that parents believed family meals are a space for socialization and communication. Items relating to the conviviality of family meals identified in the study were meal frequency, meals at the table, lack of digital distractions, pleasant conversations, and time spent on family meals. Attention should be paid to conviviality in Mediterranean families when designing multi-approach strategies to promote healthy eating among adolescents.

scholarly journals Feasibility of the AusMed Diet Program: Translating the Mediterranean Diet for Older Australians

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karly Zacharia ◽  
Amanda J. Patterson ◽  
Coralie English ◽  
Lesley MacDonald-Wicks
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Diet Pattern ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Diet Score

The Mediterranean diet pattern (MEDI) is associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions related to ageing. Adherence research mostly comes from Mediterranean countries with high cultural acceptability. This study examines the feasibility of a MEDI intervention designed specifically for older Australians (AusMed). Phase 1 involved a consumer research group (n = 17) presentation of program materials with surveys after each section. In-depth individual semi-structured interviews (n = 6) were then conducted. All participants reported increased knowledge and confidence in adherence to the MEDI, with the majority preferring a booklet format (70%) and group delivery (58%). Three themes emerged from interviews—1. barriers (complexity, perceived cost and food preferences), 2. additional support and 3. individualisation of materials. Program materials were modified accordingly. Phase 2 was a 2-week trial of the modified program (n = 15). Participants received a group counselling session, program manual and food hamper. Adherence to the MEDI was measured by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). All participants increased their adherence after the 2-week trial, from a mean score of 5.4 ± 2.4 (low adherence) to a mean score of 9.6 ± 2.0 (moderate to high adherence). All found that text message support helped achieve their goals and were confident to continue the dietary change.

The Family Meal Model: Influences on Family Mealtime Participation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Smith ◽  
Elizabeth Ramey ◽  
Susan B. Sisson ◽  
Sandra Richardson ◽  
Beth W. DeGrace
Keyword(s):  
Family Meals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Routines ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
The Family ◽  
Aged Child ◽  
Dining Room ◽  
Interdisciplinary Study

The family meal affords benefits such as positive nutritional habits, trust building, connecting, parent modeling, and teaching. During the school-aged years, families can support children’s development of health behaviors and family routines. This interdisciplinary study examined families’ experiences of mealtimes and the factors that support or hinder mealtime participation. Grounded theory methods guided data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 families with at least one school-aged child ( n = 68). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Researchers coded and categorized data, identified themes, and generated a model. Families defined family mealtime as all family members being together at the kitchen or dining room table eating a meal. Families enjoyed being together, conversing, and connecting through family mealtime participation. The Family Meal Model proposes relationships between factors that support or hinder a family’s mealtime participation. Discussion includes support for a broadened role of occupational therapy in promoting family occupation through family meals.

scholarly journals Beyond the Normative Family Meal Promotion: A Narrative Review of Qualitative Results about Ordinary Domestic Commensality

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3186
Author(s):  
Fairley Le Moal ◽  
Maxime Michaud ◽  
Carol Hartwick-Pflaum ◽  
Georgia Middleton ◽  
Isabelle Mallon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Mental Load ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
External Constraints ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
The Family

There exists a normative representation of family meals in contemporary Western societies which is promoted as imperative through public health programs, larger discourses and by some studies in the nutritional and public health research fields. Family meals, also called domestic commensality, are represented as convivial events and are associated with positive health and wellbeing outcomes but there is minimal evidence to show they are beneficial for family members and it is not known which aspect of the family meal could be responsible for these alleged benefits. This normative family meal image is based on a representation of the family as a peaceful unit exempt from external constraints. This narrative literature review of qualitative studies of family meals seeks to put forward the underlying premises of this representation and compare it with reports about actual practices. The results emphasize that eating together is still practiced and remains valued by family members, which is in contrast to discourses lamenting the decline of the family meal. However, the valorisation and recurrence of family meals depends on class, gender and cultural positions. There is a gap between the norm of healthy or convivial and achievable family meals, which can reinforce the so-called “mental load” and “emotion work” of those in charge of feeding the family and heighten inequalities within the household. In fact, there are many challenges to family meals which originate from external constraints or are inherent aspects of family life. The results from this review suggest that we should focus on family meals by taking into account the food work surrounding it and focussing on the interactional aspects of family meals. Ethnographic methods allow the researcher to observe the diversities and complexities of commensality as well as family dynamics and, in doing so, could provide more realistic representations of eating within the family.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Physical Activity and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Healthy Adolescents during COVID-19: Findings from the DIMENU Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 622
Author(s):  
Angelo Galluccio ◽  
Giovanna Caparello ◽  
Ennio Avolio ◽  
Emanuele Manes ◽  
Simona Ferraro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Wellness Programs ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
The Self ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact

The global pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resulted in restrictions which forced adolescents to stay at home and influenced their food habits and lifestyles with potential negative health impact. This study aims to investigate the self-reported physical activity (PA) and eating habits related to the consumption of Mediterranean foods in a sample of adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown enrolled into the DIMENU study. A web survey was launched for 91 adolescents (aged 15–17 years) to assess their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet using the KIDMED test and lifestyle habits using a questionnaire designed following recommendations by Italian National Institute of Health (ISS score). Our results indicate that most of the sample declared no changes in eating habits and PA without sex differences. After dividing the sample into active and sedentary groups based on the self-perceived PA, we found that KIDMED and ISS scores were significantly higher (p = 0.0028 and p = 0.0001, respectively) in active adolescents. Moreover, KIDMED was positively correlated with ISS only in active adolescents (r = 0.311, p = 0.0185). In conclusion, our data underline the impact of the PA on the Mediterranean diet adherence in adolescents during the lockdown, suggesting the usefulness of promoting wellness programs directed towards inactive individuals to increase their awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles.

The Portuguese MEDITERRANEAN DIET Wheel: development considerations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
S.S.P. Rodrigues ◽  
B. Franchini ◽  
I. Pinho ◽  
P. Graça
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Health Directorate ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle

Abstract Scientific evidence has been reporting the health and environmental benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. However, countries of the Mediterranean region, Portugal included, are gradually abandoning this traditional food pattern. The aim of the present work was to develop the Portuguese Mediterranean Diet Wheel. Three main steps were followed: 1) Establishment of the most relevant Mediterranean diet and lifestyle principles to improve this pattern among the Portuguese population; 2) Converting those principles into a captivating and easy to understand tool; 3) Obtaining experts’ opinion. By a matter of consistency, the preservation and transmission of the Mediterranean heritage was represented through an upgrade of the current Portuguese food wheel guide. This complementary tool highlights the Mediterranean Diet enlarged character that encompasses a healthy lifestyle and reinforces sociocultural and environmental features. It was launched at the end of 2016 and was nationally disseminated with the support of the Portuguese Health Directorate. Initially it was presented in a poster format image that was subsequently spread in different communication formats. This newly developed Mediterranean Food Guide is a complementary educational tool that will support health and education professionals in the never ending mission of promoting healthy food choices.

scholarly journals Chronotype and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Obesity: Results from the Opera Prevention Project

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1354
Author(s):  
Giovanna Muscogiuri ◽  
Luigi Barrea ◽  
Sara Aprano ◽  
Lydia Framondi ◽  
Rossana Di Matteo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevention Project ◽  
The Mediterranean

Chronotype is the attitude of a subject in determining individual circadian preference in behavioral and biological rhythm relative to the external light–dark cycle. Obesity and unhealthy eating habits have been associated with evening chronotype. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a healthy nutritional pattern that has been reported to be associated with better health and quality of sleep. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the association of chronotype categories with adherence to the MD in a population of middle-aged Italian adults. This cross-sectional study included 172 middle-aged adults (71.5% females; 51.8 ± 15.7 years) that were consecutively enrolled in a campaign to prevent obesity called the OPERA (obesity, programs of nutrition, education, research and assessment of the best treatment) Prevention Project that was held in Naples on 11–13 October 2019. Anthropometric parameters, adherence to the MD and chronotype were studied. Chronotype was classified as morning in 58.1% of subjects, evening in 12.8% and intermediate in 28.1%. Our results demonstrated that individuals with evening chronotype, when compared to intermediate (p < 0.001) and morning chronotype (p < 0.001), were more prone to follow unhealthy lifestyle, performing less regular activity and being more frequently smokers. In addition, they showed the lowest adherence to the MD compared to morning (p < 0.001) and intermediate chronotypes (p < 0.001). The lower the chronotype score, the higher body mass index (BMI) values in the whole population (r = −0.158; p = 0.038), thus suggesting that evening chronotype was a common finding in subjects with obesity. In addition, positive correlations of chronotype score with age (r = 0.159; p = 0.037) and PREDIMED score (r = 0.656; p < 0.001) were found. The adherence to the MD, more than the intake of the single food items, was found to predict morning and evening chronotypes. In conclusion, evening chronotype was associated with unhealthy lifestyle and low adherence to the MD. Chronotype score was inversely associated to BMI and positively associated to age and adherence to the MD. Thus, the assessment of chronotype should be taken into account in the management of obesity and in the development of nutritional strategies.

scholarly journals The Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Resilience, Test Anxiety, Academic Stress and the Mediterranean Diet. A Study with University Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 2071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubén Trigueros ◽  
Ana M. Padilla ◽  
José M. Aguilar-Parra ◽  
Patricia Rocamora ◽  
María J. Morales-Gázquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
University Students ◽  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Academic Stress ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The University

The academic transition to university is a turning point in young people’s lifestyles. However, studies to date have focused on student behaviour within the classroom context, rather than on the consequences it may have on their lifestyle. This study aims to analyze the influence of emotional intelligence of university students on their resilience, academic stress, exam anxiety, and eating habits related to the Mediterranean diet at the university stage. This study was carried out with the participation of 733 male and 614 female students from the University of Almeria, aged between 19 and 27. A structural equation model was made to explain the causal relationships between the variables. The results showed emotional intelligence positively predicted resilience. In turn, test anxiety and academic stress were negatively predicted by resilience. Finally, test anxiety and academic stress were negatively predicted by the Mediterranean diet. In short, the results of the present study have shown that academic transfer to university and grading pressure can generate maladaptive consequences for food consumption.

scholarly journals Changes in food supply in Mediterranean countries from 1961 to 2001

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reina Garcia-Closas ◽  
Antoni Berenguer ◽  
Carlos A González
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Traditional Mediterranean Diet ◽  
The 1960S

AbstractObjectiveTo describe geographical differences and time trends in the supply of the most important food components of the traditional Mediterranean diet.DesignFood supply data collected from national food balance sheets for the period 1961–2001.SettingSelected Mediterranean countries: Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey.ResultsDifferences of almost 30-fold and five-fold were found in the supply of olive oil and fruits and vegetables, respectively, among the Mediterranean countries studied during the 1960s. A favourable increasing trend for the supply of fruit and vegetables was observed in most Mediterranean countries. However, an increase in the supply of meats and dairy products and a decrease in the supply of cereals and wine were observed in European Mediterranean countries from 1961 until 2001. Only in African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries were cereals the base of food supply. During the 1990s, Greece's food supply pattern was closest to the traditional Mediterranean diet, while Italy and Spain maintained a high availability of fruits, vegetables and olive oil, but were losing the other typical components. Among African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries, only Turkey presented a traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern except with respect to olive oil, the supply of which was very low. France showed a Western dietary pattern, with a high supply of animal products and a low supply of olive oil.ConclusionsDietary supplies in the Mediterranean area were quite heterogeneous in the 1960s and have experienced a process of Westernization, especially in European Mediterranean countries.

scholarly journals Habits, preferences and culinary skills of first-year students at the university of Huelva

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema López Nieves ◽  
Elena Sosa Cordobés ◽  
Almudena Garrido Fernández ◽  
Gabriel Travé González ◽  
Francisca María García-Padilla
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
First Year ◽  
Arithmetic Means ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The University ◽  
Dieta Mediterranea ◽  
Dieta Mediterránea

Introducción: Los estudiantes universitarios se encuentran en un periodo crítico para el desarrollo y consolidación de estilos de vida futuros. El objetivo fue conocer los hábitos alimentarios, preferencias alimentarias y habilidades culinarias del alumnado de primer curso de las distintas titulaciones de la Universidad de Huelva.Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal durante el año académico 2015-2016 de una muestra final de 756 alumnos. La adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea se ha medido a través del cuestionario KIDMED. El resto de variables se han recogido mediante un cuestionario ad hoc. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante el PSPP, calculándose medias, desviaciones típicas y porcentajes para el análisis descriptivo, prueba de Chi-cuadrado y ANOVA para el análisis relacional.Resultados: El 20,4% del alumnado tiene un nivel óptimo de adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea, frente al 65,3% que posee un nivel medio y un 14,3% bajo. Los alimentos preferidos son pollo (62,2%), pasta (58,2%), cerdo (50,4%) y las patatas fritas (45,9%). Entre los alimentos que saben preparar están la pasta, (93,8%), patatas con huevo (90.2 %), pizza precocinada (88.7 %), zumo (86.1 %) y carne a la plancha (85.8 %).Conclusiones: La dieta de los estudiantes onubenses es muy similar a la de otras poblaciones universitarias estudiadas. Se encontró preferencia por las carnes y alimentos ricos en glúcidos, en detrimento de la fruta y la verdura. Se observó un déficit en las habilidades culinarias, lo cual podría explicar el deterioro del patrón alimentario de éstos y orientar futuras intervenciones. Introduction: Students attending university are at a critical period for the development and consolidation of future lifestyles. The objective of this study was to know the eating habits, food preferences and culinary skills of first-year students on different degree courses at the University of Huelva.Material and Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study in academic year 2015-2016 of a sample of 756 students. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was measured by the KIDMED questionnaire. The rest of the variables were measured by an ad hoc questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the PSPP programme, calculating arithmetic means, standard deviations and percentages for the descriptive analysis, with Chi-square test and ANOVA for the relational analysis.Results: 20.4% of students have an optimal level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, compared to 65.3% % with an average level and 14.3% with low adherence. Favourite foods cited were chicken (62.2%), pasta (58.2%), pork (50.4%) and chips (45.9%). The types of food the students knew how to prepare included pasta (93.8%), egg and chips (90.2%), precooked pizza (88.7%), fruit juices (86.1%) and grilled meat (85.8%).Conclusions: Huelva university students diet is very similar to that of other university populations studied. We found a preference for meat and foods rich in carbohydrates, to the detriment of fruit and vegetables. A lack of culinary skills was observed, which could explain the deterioration in eating habits; this is a pointer to future interventions.

scholarly journals Determinants of Adherence to Healthy Eating Patterns in a Population of Children and Adolescents: Evidence on the Mediterranean Diet in the City of Mataró (Catalonia, Spain)

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arcila-Agudelo ◽  
Ferrer-Svoboda ◽  
Torres-Fernàndez ◽  
Farran-Codina
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
School Level ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Suboptimal Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Optimal Adherence

Despite its benefits, the Mediterranean diet (MD) is being abandoned or not adopted by young generations in most Mediterranean countries. In Spain, up to 69% of the child and adolescent population has been found to have suboptimal adherence to the MD. The aim of this study was to analyze which factors are associated with an optimal adherence to the MD in school-age children and adolescents from Mataró, Spain. A cross-sectional study was performed on 1177 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years from Mataró. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED index) was used to evaluate adherence to a MD. We found that over 59% of subjects showed suboptimal adherence to a MD, with this prevalence being higher for secondary school than for primary school children. The factors positively associated with following an optimal MD were the mother’s education level, children at the primary school level, the absence of distractions at breakfast, and regular physical activity. The availability of spending money was negatively associated with the likelihood of optimal adherence to a MD. Future research should study more in-depth the possible causality between the factors studied and adherence to a MD.

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