Dietary practices of university students: Reflections on values, autonomy, and commensality

The article analyzes the knowledge and practices involved in the food choices of university students in the academic environment. Using a qualitative approach, focus groups and interviews were carried out to understand how hegemonic conceptions are formed and influence individual and group interactions. From an interdisciplinary perspective and the Theory of Practices, the results revealed the interaction of nexuses: understandings, procedures and engagements, involving the antinomic relationships between hedonic eating and traditional eating. Students report being the protagonists of their food choices, but express the need for greater autonomy. Conventional approaches, including the current management model, contradict students' identity and symbolic issues, while environmental interventions at a macro environmental level are more accepted than personal recommendations. It was concluded that affection, trust and freedom are essential values for students to have greater independence in their choices. Improving programs that promote changes in identified behavioral factors becomes essential not only to reduce risks, but also to improve the quality of life in this community.