Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

There is an abundance of consumer information about healthy eating. However, it is crucial to describe food and nutrition literacies that individuals rely on to make informed dietary decisions. Trusted sources of health and nutrition information – healthcare professionals and research studies – may dispense contradictory recommendations that hinder consumer dietary choices. Moreover, people often rely on family and friends for guidance on food selection which includes non-evidence based advice. These factors may be contributing to the rise in metabolic diseases in the United States. Several dynamics add to the burgeoning metabolic malaise, but an essential element is poor dietary choices. This study explored the perceptions of healthy eating held by pre-service teachers. Understanding the pre-service teachers’ healthy eating perception and the food and nutrition literacies that underlie dietary decision making is critical because of the influence these teachers will have on their students. Teacher modeling and teaching health content including the selection of nutritious food options may play a role in the battle against childhood obesity and its related metabolic diseases.