Healthy Eating: Perception Vs Practice

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Interesting relationship between our percetions and

reality.

Appetite

Volume 48, Issue 2 , March 2007, Pages 176-182

Research report

Healthy eating: Perceptions and practice (the ASH30

study) Amelia A. Lake et. al.

Abstract

Perceptions of healthy eating may influence food

intake. Anthropometric and dietary data were collected

from 197 respondents (average age 32.5 years:

2000/2001) in Northumberland (78%) and elsewhere in

the UK (22%). A questionnaire and two 3-day food

diaries were completed. Foods consumed

were assigned to one of five food categories from The

Balance of Good Health. This paper explores

respondents concepts of healthy eating and

responses to the statement, 'My eating patterns are

healthy' and compares responses with measured intakes

for each of the five food categories. Fifty-three

respondents disagreed, 62 neither agreed nor disagreed

and 82 agreed with the statement. Intakes of foods

containing fat and/or sugar,fruit and vegetables and

meat, fish and alternatives were significantly

different between the three response groups. The agree

group had the highest intake of fruit and vegetables

and the lowest intake of foods

containing fat and/or sugar and meat, fish and

alternatives. A significantly higher proportion of

individuals from the highest socio-economic group

agreed with the statement. Significantly more

individuals with Body Mass Indexes in the two lower

quartiles agreed with the statement. This paper shows

a relationship between perceptions of eating patterns

and socio-economic status, adiposity and measured food

intake.