[Healthy eating, schoolchildren perception about themselves]

To evaluate the perception of schoolchildren between 7-10 years of a public school in Natal-RN about healthy eating.

Descriptive study, with quantitative and qualitative approach by focus group interviews with 29 students whose average age was 8.8 years. The analysis was aided by IRAMUTEQ software and supported the concept of perception of Merleau-Ponty.

Children's perception about healthy eating was associated with fresh foods and culinary preparations. We identified concepts acquired at school on the topic, as well as teachers criticizing the consumption of ultra-processed foods. There were reports of predilection for certain school meals and rejection of others. In addition, children have cited the presence of unhealthy foods served at school. Regarding the role of families, parents were cited in the role of guide for a healthy consumption at the same time they encouraged to consumption of processed foods at home or they provided money to buy them. Many children did not consume healthy foods, mainly fruits and vegetables because they consider unpalatable.

The perception of children about healthy foods was influenced by school, family and media. Although they possessed sense of what would be a healthy feed, the pleasure in eating processed foods led to unhealthy practices. The findings show the need for a look magnified by the professionals involved in this role to stimulate and drive healthy practices.