Food-related beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, eating patterns and intended classroom food practices of BEd students

Children and youth are at an impressionable age, and their eating habits and nutritional health are influenced by a variety of people in their immediate environment. Children and youth learn by example and the eating habits they acquire early in life are often carried into adulthood. Teachers are key role models for children and youth, and through daily routines they are given the opportunity to model and communicate valuable nutrition information. It is important to focus on Education students as they will become role models for children and youth. It is crucial to raise awareness of how their own healthful habits can have long term benefits on the health of children and youth.; This research project explores the association between the food related beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, eating patterns and intended classroom food practices of BEd students. Each of these factors can potentially affect the development of health behaviors of children and youth. Teachers have the ability to play an important role to better the students' day-to-day lifestyle at school. However, since health courses for education students are elective; many future teachers must rely on their previous knowledge and values for this important issue, whatever their perception may be. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...