SPICE UP MyPlate - Strategy for Promoting Intake of Delicious Healthful Dietary Patterns Based on MyPlate: A Pilot Study

This is a 15-week, 2-arm randomized controlled pilot trial. In a 1:1 ratio, participants will be randomized to the intervention arm or the control arm. The intervention group will receive a 12-week culinary focused nutrition education program. The control group will receive standard low-intensity care (i.e., printed healthy eating material). Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and 15 weeks.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 31-59 years
• Involved in meal cooking at home and consumes a home cooked meal ≥ 1 time per week
• Individuals taking medications for blood pressure, lipid or glucose lowering will be eligible if they have been on a stable dose for the 1 month prior to baseline

Exclusion criteria

• A member of the household is already enrolled (only one person per household will be eligible for inclusion in the study).
• Unstable medical conditions requiring active intervention (surgeries, medication/drug therapy for < 3 months) as assessed during the telephone screening (e.g. cancer, kidney disease requiring dialysis, heart or gastrointestinal diseases requiring surgery).
• Received nutrition education for a medical condition within the past 6 months
• Currently following a weight loss diet
• Lost ≥ 10% body weight in the past 6 months
• Currently (within 6 months) smoke or use any tobacco or nicotine containing products
• Currently pregnant or given birth within the prior 6 months
• Currently participating in another clinical trial
• Principal investigator discretion (e.g., disrespectful or inappropriate interactions with study staff)
• Does not speak or understand English