Navigating an Imposed Diet: What Dietetic Students Learned From a Food Intervention Experience

To explore the experiences of female dietetic students strictly following 2 different isocaloric diets.

A qualitative study as part of a randomized controlled feeding trial with a crossover design. Data were collected through individual interviews conducted 1-35 days after the intervention.

A university in Sweden.

Normal-weight, healthy female dietetic students (n = 17), aged 18-30 years, who completed the full intervention.

Two 4-week diet periods with a washout period in between. Participants followed either a diet based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations or a ketogenic low-carb high-fat diet, consuming preprepared meals.

Participants' experiences of following the imposed diets.

Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques, resulting in 1 main theme, 2 categories, and 5 subcategories.

Participants reported challenges with loss of control over food choices, unexpected effects of diet restrictions, and social visibility. They also highlighted the importance of contributing to science and the benefits for their future careers.

First-hand experiences of strict diets provided valuable insights into the complexities of dietary adherence, enhancing empathy and competence in future dietetic practice. Integrating practical diet experiences into education could improve dietary counseling skills.