HEALTHY EATING

Exploring University of Leicester Students' Perception of Healthy Eating and Food Consumption

Literature Review3

Research aims and objectives5

Research Methodology6

Data collection7

Ethical Considerations10

Rationale and procedure of data analysis10

Research findings and discussions10

Theme 1:11

Theme 2:11

Theme 3:12

Theme 4:13

Conclusion13

References15

Appendices18

Appendix 1: Purpose of research18

Appendix 2: Interview Questions18

Interview 118

Interview 218

Interview 319

Interview 419

Appendix 3: Consideration at the time of Research19

Appendix 4: Why I am doing this research?20

Appendix 5: Detailed presentation of each interview20

Interview 120

Interview 221

Interview 322

Interview 423

Appendix 6: Consent Form24

Appendix 7: Judgmental Sampling Question26

Executive Summary

Different studies have been conducted in order to find out the perception of students about healthy eating and appropriate food consumption. These studies have revealed that students do not take much care in eating healthy food. The aim of this study is to explore University of Leicester Students' perception of healthy eating and food consumption. Some of the major objectives of this research is to identify the key factors influencing UOL students' decision in food shopping and preparation. To identify the challenges (if any) UOL students experience when shopping and preparing for healthy food and to understand the meanings UOL students associate with food and healthy eating. For this research primary data was gathered using the exploratory conventions, namely the in-depth mini interviews and focus groups which generated detailed perceptions. The use of the qualitative research was considered beneficial by many scholars and experts. The sample of the research was achieved through a combination of convenience and judgmental sampling. This method was primarily employed because it helped me to select those participants who could be very useful for the overall research and from whom the valuable data can be extracted. Furthermore, the literature review helped in designing a guide for the focus groups and interviews. The University of Leicester contains students from many countries. Therefore, the Students' Perception of Healthy Eating and Food Consumption also vary greatly. It was found in this research that most of the students had not true idea about what they healthy food actually is. The students must pay attention to their eating habits and eat healthy food. Although most of the students are also doing part time jobs but they should try to maintain a flexible schedule and devote proper time to their eating. The schools and colleges should also take initiatives in improving the eating habits of the students and provide them guidance regarding healthy eating.

“Exploring University of Leicester Students' Perception of Healthy Eating and Food”

Literature Review

The food preferences of a person are cultivated in his childhood (Deshpande, 2009). The different interviews that were conducted for this research indicated that food preferences of the children were cultivated in their childhood. In this regard the family background and eating habits of the family affects the children. Similarly, the timing of the food and the quantity of food taken also varies from family to family (Anderson et al 2003; Deshpande et al 2009). Most of the Asian people take three times meal and they also follow a strict schedule for three different times. The primary research data indicated that among the Asian countries, ...