Culinary nutrition education to improve healthy eating habits
Official title: SPICE UP MyPlate - Strategy for Promoting Intake of Delicious Healthful Dietary Patterns Based on MyPlate: A Pilot Study
Run by Penn State University · NCT06890728 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing whether a cooking and nutrition program can help people aged 31-59 eat healthier and improve their overall health compared to standard nutrition education.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 31 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06890728 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 31-59 who regularly cook at home and are interested in improving their dietary habits.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with unstable medical conditions or those currently following a weight loss diet may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a culinary-focused nutrition education program designed to enhance adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Participants aged 31-59 who cook at home will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives a 12-week culinary education program, or the control group, which receives standard low-intensity nutrition education. The study will assess various outcome measures at baseline and after 15 weeks to determine the impact of the intervention on diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved dietary habits and reduced cardiometabolic risk factors for participants.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown that culinary education can positively impact dietary behaviors, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
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Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristina Petersen, PhD — Penn State University
- Study coordinator: Kristina Petersen, PhD
- Email: kup63@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-865-7206
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.