Self-reported duration of adherence to a plant-based diet is associated with better food purchasing habits and behaviors related to food availability

Authors: KARLSEN, MICAELA - American College Of Lifestyle Medicine; LIVINGSTON, KARA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; ROGERS, GAIL - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; LICHTENSTEIN, ALICE - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; DAS, SAI KRUPA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; FOLTA, SARA - Tufts University; CHANG, REMCO - Tufts University; ECONOMOS, CHRISTINA - Tufts University; JACQUES, PAUL - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; MCKEOWN, NICOLA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Current Developments in Nutrition
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/8/2021
Publication Date: 6/7/2021
Citation: Karlsen, M.C., Livingston, K., Rogers, G., Lichtenstein, A.H., Das, S., Folta, S.C., Chang, R., Economos, C.D., Jacques, P.F., McKeown, N.M. 2021. Self-reported duration of adherence to a plant-based diet is associated with better food purchasing habits and behaviors related to food availability [abstract]. Current Developments in Nutrition. 5:1047. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzab053_040.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzab053_040

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Objective: To assess self-reported differences in food purchasing habits and diet-consistent food availability among recent vs. long-term plant-based diet (PBD) followers compared to those who are not actively following a specific diet but report "trying to eat healthy" (TTEH). Methods: The sample consisted of PBD (n=1,820, whole-food plant based/ vegan) and TTEH (n=292) followers enrolled in Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT), an online study conducted in self-identified popular diet followers. PBD followers were classified as recent (RF) (< 2 years, n=723) or long-term followers (LF) (2+ years, n=1097). We compared food shopping habits, grocery expenses, and perceived influence of the food environment between RF and LF, as well as to those who self-identified as TTEH (69% reported TTEH for 5+ years). ANCOVA was used to compare the groups adjusting for age and sex. Results: Mean BMI was significantly higher in the TTEH (26.3 kg/m2) compared to RF (24.9 kg/m2) and LF (23.0 kg/m2). The majority of all responders (97%) reported they independently shop and prepare food, and 93% reported that it is "extremely easy" to find foods consistent with their diet. A significantly greater proportion of LF compared to RF (91% vs. 86%, p=0.003) reported food in the home as extremely consistent with their diet vs. only 67% of TTEH (p< 0.0001). Sixty-one percent of LF, 76% of RF and 93% of TTEH reported having inconsistent food in the home, with 56%, 65% and 88%, respectively, identifying themselves as bringing this food into the home (p< 0.001 for all). No significant differences were observed in reported mean grocery expenses; however, compared to LF and RF, TTEH spent significantly more on meals/snacks purchased outside the home ($54 and $42, respectively). Further adjustment for physical activity, education, marital status and BMI did not alter the findings. Conclusions: Individuals following PBD reported greater consistency in the home food environment and lower expenses on food and snacks purchased outside the home compared to TTEH. Cultivating a consistent food environment may help individuals sustain healthier dietary patterns.