scholarly journals Healthy Eating Policy Improves Children’s Diet Quality in Early Care and Education in South Carolina

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Zaltz ◽  
Amelie A. Hecht ◽  
Roni A. Neff ◽  
Russell R. Pate ◽  
Brian Neelon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Early Care And Education ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Early Care

Policies to promote healthy foods in early care and education (ECE) in the United States exist, but few have been prospectively evaluated. In South Carolina, a statewide program serving low-income children in ECE enacted new policies promoting healthy foods. We conducted an evaluation to measure changes in dietary intake among children in ECE exposed and not exposed to the new policy. Using direct observation, we assessed dietary intake in 112 children from 34 ECE centers in South Carolina and 90 children from 30 ECE centers in North Carolina (a state with no policy). We calculated Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) scores to measure diet quality consumed before and after the policy was enacted. We fit mixed-effects linear models to estimate differences in HEI scores by state from baseline to post-policy, adjusting for child race, number of children enrolled, director education, center years in operation, participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and center profit status. The policy increased HEI scores for whole fruits, total fruits, and lean proteins, but decreased scores for dairy. Thus, the policy was associated with some enhancements in dietary intake, but additional support may help improve other components of diet.

scholarly journals Association between Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption and Nutrient Intake, Nutritional Adequacy, and Diet Quality in Adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2952
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
Vipra Vanage ◽  
Norton Holschuh ◽  
Anne Hermetet Agler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
National Health ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Nutrition Examination Survey ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Health And Nutrition

This study examined differences in dietary intake between ready-to-eat cereal eaters and non-eaters in adults from the United States. Participants (n = 5163) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 were included. One-day dietary recall was used to define ready-to-eat cereal consumption status and estimate dietary intake in eaters and non-eaters. Data from Food Patterns Equivalent Database 2015–2016 were used to compare intakes of food groups by consumption status. Diet quality was assessed by Healthy Eating Index 2015. Nineteen percent of US adults were ready-to-eat cereal eaters; they had a similar level of energy intake as non-eaters, but they had significantly higher intake of dietary fiber, and several vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. They were also more likely to meet nutrient recommendations. Compared to non-eaters, ready-to-eat cereal eaters had the same level of added sugar intake but they had significantly higher intake of whole grains, total fruits, and dairy products. The diet quality of ready-to-eat cereal eaters was significantly higher than that of non-eaters. The study supports that ready-to-eat cereal eaters have better dietary intake with a healthier dietary pattern than non-eaters in the United States.

scholarly journals Nutritional intake and overall diet quality of female soccer players before the competition period

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel dos SANTOS ◽  
Jacqueline Queiroz da SILVEIRA ◽  
Thais Borges CESAR
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Soccer

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the dietary intake and overall diet quality of female soccer players before the competitive games. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study included 21 women aged 20.8±4.5 years from a professional soccer team. Their nutritional status and dietary adequacy during the training period, before competition season, were assessed. Dietary intake was assessed by three 24-hour recalls, one food frequency questionnaire, and the Healthy Eating Index, an overall diet quality index based on food group intake. Results: The athletes have shown proper nutritional status, but a diet deficient in energy due largely to low carbohydrate intake. On the other hand, the intakes of protein, fatty acids, and sodium were above the recommended intakes, even for athletes. Diet quality assessment by the Healthy Eating Index - 2010 resulted in a mean score of 54.6 points of a maximum of 100, indicating a need of improving the overall diet quality. Conclusion: The study found that the dietary patterns of female football players were both quantitatively and qualitatively inappropriate. A nutritional intervention is indicated to improve diet quality, with the inclusion of various foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and better protein quality, along with a reduction in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugar.

scholarly journals Yogurt Consumption Is Associated with Better Dietary Intake and Diet Quality in School-aged Children (P18-112-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Jessica Smith ◽  
Valerie Benoit ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
Vipra Vanage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
Total Fat

Abstract Objectives To assess associations between yogurt consumption and dietary intake as well as diet quality in school-aged children in the United States. Methods A total of 3709 children aged 6–12 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2012, 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 were included in the study. Day 1 dietary data were used to determine yogurt consumption status, energy and nutrient intake. Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) was used as a measure of diet quality. Multiple linear regression analyses for surveys were conducted to estimate associations between yogurt consumption and dietary intake, as well as diet quality, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Results About 9% of children aged 6–12 years were yogurt eaters. Compared to non-eaters, children who reported yogurt consumption had significantly higher intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, total sugar and carbohydrate, as well as significantly less intake of total fat and sodium (P < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences on intake of added sugar and total energy intake. HEI-2015 total score, as well as sub scores for greens and beans, whole fruit, dairy, and sodium were significantly higher in yogurt eaters than non-eaters (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions Consumption of yogurt is associated with increased intake of several key vitamins and minerals, including nutrients of public health concern such as calcium and potassium, in school-aged children. Yogurt consumption is also associated with better diet quality in this population. Funding Sources The study was funded by General Mills, Inc.

scholarly journals Social Support, but Not Perceived Food Environment, Is Associated with Diet Quality in French-Speaking Canadians from the PREDISE Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Carbonneau ◽  
Benoît Lamarche ◽  
Julie Robitaille ◽  
Véronique Provencher ◽  
Sophie Desroches ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Food Recalls ◽  
At Home

The objectives were to assess whether social support for healthy eating and perceived food environment are associated with diet quality, and to investigate if sociodemographic characteristics moderate these associations. A probability sample of French-speaking adults from the Province of Québec, Canada, was recruited in the context of the PREDISE study. Participants reported their perceptions of supportive and non-supportive actions related to healthy eating from close others at home and outside of home (n = 952), and of the accessibility to healthy foods (n = 1035). The Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI) was calculated based on three Web-based 24 h food recalls. Multiple linear regression models showed that supportive (B = 1.50 (95% CI 0.46, 2.54)) and non-supportive (B = −3.06 (95% CI −4.94, −1.18)) actions related to healthy eating from close others at home were positively and negatively associated with C-HEI, respectively, whereas actions from close others outside of home were not. The negative association between non-supportive actions occurring at home and C-HEI was stronger among participants with lower (vs. higher) levels of education (p interaction = 0.03). Perceived accessibility to healthy foods was not associated with C-HEI (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the social environment may have a stronger influence on healthy eating than the perceived physical environment. This adds support for healthy eating promotion programs involving entire families, especially for more socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, whose efforts to eat healthily may be more easily thwarted by non-supportive households.

scholarly journals Racial/Ethnic Differences in Diet Quality and Eating Habits Among WIC Pregnant Women: Implications for Policy and Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alla M. Hill ◽  
Danielle L. Nunnery ◽  
Alice Ammerman ◽  
Jigna M. Dharod
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
American Women

Purpose: One of the major federal food assistance programs, the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), serves approximately 1.5 million low-income pregnant women per year; however, limited information is available on their dietary habits. This is critical because low-income women are at higher risk of gaining excess weight during pregnancy. Thus, the study objectives were to (1) determine the overall diet quality of WIC pregnant women and (2) examine diet quality and eating behaviors by race/ethnicity and other sociodemographics. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: One of the 3 WIC offices in a north-central county in North Carolina, USA. Sample: Pregnant women (n = 198) in the second trimester. Measures: Interviews included sociodemographics, food security, diet, and eating behaviors. Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010 scores. Analysis: Descriptives, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis. Results: Average participant age was 26 years, and the mean HEI-2010 score was 56 of maximum score of 100. Specifically, African American women consumed significantly lower servings of whole grains (β = −1.71; 95% CI: −3.10 to −0.32; P < .05) and dairy (β = −1.42; 95% CI: −2.51 to −0.33; P < .05) compared with non-Hispanic white women. Hispanic women scored higher in daily intake of fruits (β = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.17-1.79; P < .05) and for consuming empty calories in moderation (β = 1.57; 95% CI: 0.06-3.09; P < .05). Frequency of intake of fast foods/outside meals was higher among African American women (57%, P = .025). Conclusion: Efforts are warranted to promote optimal nutrition among WIC pregnant women. Specifically, African American women are highly vulnerable to poor dietary habits during pregnancy. Further investigation of barriers/facilitators for healthy eating is necessary to address nutrition disparities among WIC pregnant women.

Diet Quality as Measured by the Healthy Eating Index and the Association with Lipid Profile in Low-Income Women in Early Postpartum

2010 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bijal S. Shah ◽  
Jeanne H. Freeland-Graves ◽  
Jodi M. Cahill ◽  
Hongxing Lu ◽  
Glenn R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Early Postpartum ◽  
Low Income Women

scholarly journals Corner Store Inventories, Purchases, and Strategies for Intervention

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent A Langellier ◽  
Jeremiah R. Garza ◽  
Michael L. Prelip ◽  
Deborah Glik ◽  
Ron Brookmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Marshall Islands ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Corner Store ◽  
Food Retail Environment

Introduction: An increasingly popular strategy to improve the food retail environment and promote healthy eating in low-income and minority communities is the corner store conversion. This approach involves partnering with small ‘corner’ food stores to expand access to high-quality fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. Methods: We conducted a structured review of the literature to assess inventories and sales in corner stores, as well as to identify intervention strategies employed by corner store conversions. Results: Our review returned eight descriptive studies that discussed corner store inventories and sales, as well as ten intervention studies discussing six unique corner store conversion interventions in the United States, the Marshall Islands, and Canada. Common intervention strategies included: 1) partnering with an existing store, 2) stocking healthy foods, and 3) social marketing and nutrition education. We summarize each strategy and review the effectiveness of overall corner store conversions at changing peoples’ food purchasing, preparation, and consumption behaviors. Conclusions: Consumption of fresh, healthy, affordable foods could be improved by supporting existing retailers to expand their selection of healthy foods and promoting healthy eating at the neighborhood level. Additional corner store conversions should be conducted to determine the effectiveness and importance of specific intervention strategies.

Diet Quality of Atlantic Families Headed by Single Mothers

2006 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Theresa Glanville ◽  
Lynn Mcintyre
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Dietary Adequacy ◽  
Lone Mothers

Purpose: As part of a larger study on food insecurity and dietary adequacy of low-income lone mothers and their children in Atlantic Canada, we examined diet quality among household members. Methods: Network sampling for ‘difficult to sample’ populations was used to identify mothers living below the poverty line and alone with at least two children under age 14. Trained dietitians administered 24-hour dietary recalls weekly for one month to mothers on the dietary intake of themselves and their children. We calculated Healthy Eating Index category scores for eligible mothers (129) and children (303) using Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and the Nutrition Recommendations for Canadians. Results: Diet quality of low-income lone mothers was poor (35.5%) or in need of improvement (64.5%), with no mother having a good diet. The diet quality of children varied by age, with 22.7% of children aged one to three having a good diet or needing improvement (74.6%), 2.1% of children aged four to eight and no child aged nine to 14 having a good diet, while the diets of about 85% of older children in both age categories needed improvement. Conclusions: Younger children seem to be protected from poor quality diets in households with limited resources to acquire food.

Changes in Adolescents’ Dietary Intake Following the Initiation of an 8-Week Exercise Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Catherine Pouliot ◽  
Alyssa Biagé ◽  
Denis Prud’homme ◽  
Isabelle Giroux
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Food Density ◽  
Eating Pattern ◽  
Food Quantity

Purpose: To assess changes in dietary intake of adolescents following an 8-week aerobic exercise program. Methods: Twenty-six adolescents (14–18 years) participated in an 8-week aerobic exercise program on cycle ergometer at their high school in Quebec, Canada. Twenty-four hour recalls were collected pre- and post-intervention. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and paired sample t-tests were used to assess differences in energy and dietary intake parameters (food quantity, diet quality, eating patterns) between pre- and postintervention. Results: A decrease in total daily energy intake (–287.8 kcal, P = 0.007), in meal size at lunch (–110.1 g, P = 0.02) and dinner (–143.7 g, P = 0.03), in food density at breakfast (–1.8 kcal/g, P = 0.04), in daily carbohydrate intake (–56.1 g, P = 0.005), and in percentage of energy intake consumed at school (–5.1%, P = 0.04) were observed following initiation of an aerobic exercise program. No change in healthy eating index scores or percentage of energy from processed foods was observed. Conclusions: Changes in energy intake, food quantity, and eating pattern but not diet quality (Healthy Eating Index or food processing scores) were observed following the initiation of an aerobic exercise program. Nutrition interventions may be needed, in addition to an exercise program, to target diet quality and promote healthy eating habits in adolescents.

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