The path toward this thesis has been challenging yet empowering and memorable. Gratitude is necessary to the special people who have encouraged, supported and stuck with me during the completion of this study. I am tremendously fortunate to be a student in the dietetics program at Illinois State University and to have professors that push me towards higher potential. I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to my committee chair, Dr. Julie Schumacher. Thank you for your continuous support and guidance during this unknowing project. Your expertise has taught me more than I could have imagined during this study. I also want to give gratitude to my co-chairs Dr. Jennifer Barnes and Dr. Amy Bardwell. Thank you for your statistical intelligence, research knowledge and kindness to keep pushing me. This work would not have been possible without the support, professional insight and guidance from my committee. For that I am grateful. I would like to continue to share my gratitude to Cecily Martinez, Jessica Brand, Alyssa Laing and Jared Lyons who have continuously supported me and kept encouraging me through the difficult yet exciting milestones that this study has brought. You all have kept me motivated to remember my goals and persevere through the struggles. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my academic career. I would not be writing this thesis in my graduate career without your encouragement and reassurance. I have no valuable words to express my gratitude, but my heart is full of the love and support that I have received from each person in this journey. I am blessed to have the professionals, family and friends in my life that made this possible. Thank you all. L.B.