What do college students eat? Food selection and meal pattern

Abstract

Data are limited on food selections of young adults. This study was undertaken to examine the eating practices of college students relevant to improving nutrition and health education programs. Dietary records (n=1912) were used to determine the frequency of meals skipped and specific foods selected by male and female students in different seasons between Fall 1990 and Summer 1991. Twenty-two percent, 8%, and 5% of the students skipped breakfast, lunch, and dinner, respectively; 80% of the students snacked at least once a day. There were no significant differences in frequency of meals skipped and snacks consumed among seasons, or between men and women. Forty foods consumed most frequently for meals and snacks included various carbonated beverages but few vegetables and fruits. Skimmed milk, 2% milk and chicken or turkey were among the top 40 foods selected by both genders whereas whole milk and higher-fat meats were not. Men consumed more high calorie and high fat foods, more fast foods but fewer vegetables than women. These findings suggest that health promotion for young adults in college should address importance of eating vegetables and fruits with less frequent consumption of carbonated beverages and high fat combination dishes. The message for men may need to differ for women.