Evaluation of a resource to facilitate implementation of UK eatwell plate advice

Abstract

The eatwell plate provides consumers and organisations in the UK with consistent visual messaging on the requirements for a healthy balanced diet. To assist in translating and applying this advice, a new resource, the eatwell week, was designed to present a practical example of a 7-day menu which meets UK Dietary References Values (DRVs) and dietary targets. Evaluation of the resource, to determine clarity, understanding, relevance, acceptability, usability and test its appeal and effectiveness, was carried out by an independent research agency (Ipsos MORI). Focus groups were held in four UK locations, with consumers with different cooking habits and demographic characteristics. Testing was also conducted with health professionals (practice nurses, cardiac rehabilitation nurses, dietitians, occupational health nurses and health promotion specialists).Reactions to the style and presentation of the resource were positive. Most appealing were the split pages which conveyed the message that meals & snacks from different days were interchangeable: