Research of nutritional habits of prospective teachers

Abstract

In modern society healthy nutrition is a particularly topical issue as it is one of the key elements of a healthy lifestyle which determines a person’s well-being. One of the tasks established in the European Region Health Policy “Health for All in the 21st Century” is to promote habits of healthy nutrition. The goal of the research is to identify nutritional habits of the prospective teachers. 631 prospective teachers studying at Vytautas Magnus University took part in the questionnaire survey. The period of studies is closely related to the study process, the change of the place of residence, and that often adversely affects the dietary regime. Nutritional habits during the study period are partly formed by the training institution as well as the food culture tradition spread among the students. Involvement in activities and the change of the place of residence influenced nutritional habits of prospective teachers. Having analysed the survey data, it is possible to state that most students - prospective teachers - choose food considering its taste characteristics and the price. The students choose various food products and try to follow the recommendations for healthy nutrition.