Healthy Eating as a New Way of Life: A Qualitative Study of Successful Long-Term Diet Change

BACKGROUND: Improving diet quality has been shown to be an effective way to improve health and well-being. Yet information on how to assist those wanting to transition to and maintain a healthier diet is still limited. The aim of this study was to explore what motivated people to initiate and maintain a healthy diet. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants (all Australian residents) who had made significant improvements to their diets and had maintained these changes for a minimum of two years (n( female ) = 15, n( male ) = 5, M( age ) = 37.7, SD = 12.4). The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis which identified five overarching themes: A desire to feel better, investigation and learning, helpful habits, benefits, and values. RESULTS: Participants reported a strong wish to feel better and investigated the role of diet as a possible way to improve well-being. Through daily habits and continuous engagement with the topic, healthy eating became a way of life for many participants. Experiencing the benefits of a healthier diet and having developed strong values regarding diet and health supported long-term maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the present study contribute to the literature in highlighting the importance of internal motivation and autonomy for health behaviours. Findings may inform the development of healthy eating interventions. Encouraging autonomy, fostering values aligned with a healthier diet, and helping individuals establish daily habits is likely to support change.