Effects of Pre‐Dinner Snack on Cafeteria Meal Choice and Nutrition Quality in College Freshman

Post adolescent weight gain is a concern among college freshman, especially those enrolled in cafeteria meal plans. Snack consumption prior to a meal could alter eating behavior during the meal. Healthy college students (n=57; Age 18.3 ± 0.1) received one of three treatments 60 minutes before choosing and eating a cafeteria dinner meal provided in a free‐living design. The treatments no snack (NS; control), 190 Cal of gummi bear candy (GB) or a 190 Cal serving of California walnuts (CW) were provided in single cross‐over fashion on 3 of 5 semi‐consecutive nights. Pictures of meals before and after consumption were used for nutritional analysis. Data (mean±SEM) analyzed with significance between treatments and parameters indicated by different letters (A or B). Total meal calorie content for NS, GB and CW were 870 ± 54(A), 1015 ± 56(B), and 879 ± 43(AB), suggesting that a high carbohydrate snack (GB) can lead to increased potential meal caloric content relative to NS. Total meal sodium content (mg) for NS, GB, and CW were 1501 ± 103(A), 1951 ± 163(B), and 1739 ± 140(AB), suggesting that GB can lead to an increased likelihood of choosing a meal with a higher sodium content relative to NS. Total meal protein content (grams) for NS, GB and CW were 37 ± 3(AB), 45 ± 3(B), and 36 ± 2(A), this may reflect compensation for the increased nutritional value of CW. Non‐significant differences for NS, GB and CW were observed for carbohydrates, fiber, total fat, and cholesterol (mg). The consumption of GB prior to a meal resulted in higher caloric intake while walnuts were neutral to beneficial. Future studies may wish to better control dietary choices on study days by limiting subject participation to three consecutive cafeteria days. Support or Funding Information Supported by California Walnut Commission