A qualitative investigation of Millennials’ healthy eating behavior, food choices, and restaurant selection

ABSTRACT

This exploratory study investigates Millennials’ knowledge of healthy eating, eating behavior, restaurant selection, and effects of stress on eating. A qualitative method was employed to collect data from 50 Millennials living in Central Florida (USA) via semi-structured interviews. The empirical data were analyzed with theoretically driven and inductively orientated approaches to evaluate the participants’ knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating, technology usage, daily eating habits, stress, and restaurant selection. As one of the few studies on healthy eating behaviors of Millennials, this research provides clear theoretical and practical implications within academia and for the society at large.

KEYWORDS:

• Millennials
• healthy eating
• restaurant selection
• nutritional awareness
• eating behavior
• nutritional knowledge

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank their participants for engaging with the research, the funding agency (University of Central Florida) for financial support, and anonymous referees for their constructive feedback.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This research project was supported by the University of Central Florida [Grant number: 12019013] in 2017-2018.

Notes on contributors

Bendegul Okumus

Dr. Bendegul Okumus is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Lodging at Rosen Collage and Hospitality Management within the University of Central Florida. She has work experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in food preparation, food services, restaurant management, and event management areas. Her research focuses on food safety, healthy eating, wellness, culinary tourism, ethnic restaurants, restaurant selection, and food waste.

Email: [email protected]