Associations of Eating Habits with Self-Rated Health and Life Satisfaction in Adolescents: A 42-Country Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the associations of eating habits with self-rated health and life satisfaction in adolescents using a multiple-country sample.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2013/2014 wave was used in this study. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on independent variables including breakfast on weekdays, breakfast at weekends, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, sweets, and soft dirks. Outcomes included self-rated health and life satisfaction. Regression models were used to assess the associations between the independent variables and the two outcomes, separately, after controlling for covariates. Results were presented using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Of all the study participants (aged 11-15 years), 50.8% were girls. Compared with no consumption of breakfast on weekdays, eating breakfast for five days had 1.22 times greater likelihood for improved self-rated health (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.19-1.25, p < 0.001). Participants who ate breakfast for both days (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.36-1.46, p < 0.001) and one day (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.08-1.17, p < 0.001) were more likely to experience improved self-rated health compared to never eating breakfast at weekends. Five or more days for fruit and vegetable consumption resulted in better self-rated health (all p < 0.001). Similar results were found in terms of the associations of breakfast, fruit, and vegetable consumption with life satisfaction. For example, a higher frequency of fruit intake was associated with enhanced self-rated health (e.g., OR for more than once daily = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.34-1.51, p < 0.001) compared to no fruit consumption. Similarly, a higher-frequency vegetable intake, such as more than once daily (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.26-1.39, p < 0.001), was associated with improved self-rated health.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthy eating habits, especially regular breakfast and a higher consumption of vegetables and fruit, are associated with better self-rated health and life satisfaction in school-aged children. Of note, the consumption of fruit would have the greatest impact on health and wellbeing outcomes. This study offers evidence that healthy eating habits can play a vital role in school-aged children's health and wellbeing, highlighting the practical significance of educating adolescents to develop healthy eating habits.

Adhere to the Chinese dietary guidelines associated with better subjective well-being: evidence from a cross-sectional survey and a daily diary investigation

BACKGROUND

Subjective well-being (SWB) plays an essential role in general health. Although beneficial effects of selected micronutrients and foods on SWB have been reported, they do not reflect the impact of the habitual diet on SWB. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the association between adherence to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines (CDG) with SWB.

METHODS

This study combined a cross-sectional survey and a daily diary investigation. The cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1,433 students from 8 universities in southern China between October and November 2020. The daily diary investigation was conducted in November 2022, collecting 10-day daily data from 115 students at two universities in southern China over ten consecutive days, resulting in 1,020 valid matched daily responses. Adherence to the CDG was assessed by the China Prime Diet Quality Score (CPDQS), SWB was measured by the Index of Well-being (IWB) and the Affect Valuation Index (AVI). Correlation analysis, multiple regression analyses, and hierarchical regression were conducted to examine the associations of adherence to the CDG with its components, and SWB.

RESULTS

The cross-sectional survey revealed significant predictors of SWB, including adherence to the CDG (β = 0.24, p<0.001) and its components: cereals and tubers (β = 0.07, p = 0.024), vegetables and fruits (β = 0.11, p<0.001), dairy/soy/nuts (β = 0.11, p = 0.002), and condiments and alcoholic beverages (β = 0.08, p = 0.002). The daily diary investigation showed positive associations between adherence to the CDG (β = 0.19, p<0.001), and its components: vegetables and fruits (β = 0.11, p = 0.001), dairy/soy/nuts (β = 0.06, p = 0.009), animal source food (β = 0.06, p = 0.026), and condiments and alcoholic beverages (β = 0.07, p = 0.026), with higher levels of daily SWB.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to healthy dietary patterns such as the CDG, rather than focusing on individual components in isolation, is associated with better SWB. Furthermore, the consumption of CDG components had an impact on SWB, although the specific effects varied between the two studies. This study offers modest evidence supporting the role of the CDG in promoting positive mental health.

Plant biomarkers as early detection tools in stress management in food crops: a review

MAIN CONCLUSION

Plant Biomarkers are objective indicators of a plant's cellular state in response to abiotic and biotic stress factors. They can be explored in crop breeding and engineering to produce stress-tolerant crop species. Global food production safely and sustainably remains a top priority to feed the ever-growing human population, expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. However, abiotic and biotic stress factors negatively impact food production systems, causing between 70 and 100% reduction in crop yield. Understanding the plant stress responses is critical for developing novel crops that can adapt better to various adverse environmental conditions. Using plant biomarkers as measurable indicators of a plant's cellular response to external stimuli could serve as early warning signals to detect stresses before severe damage occurs. Plant biomarkers have received considerable attention in the last decade as pre-stress indicators for various economically important food crops. This review discusses some biomarkers associated with abiotic and biotic stress conditions and highlights their importance in developing stress-resilient crops. In addition, we highlighted some factors influencing the expression of biomarkers in crop plants under stress. The information presented in this review would educate plant researchers, breeders, and agronomists on the significance of plant biomarkers in stress biology research, which is essential for improving plant growth and yield toward sustainable food production.

A cluster randomized controlled trial of a brief positive healthy eating intervention

Excessive sugar intake poses a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases. A positive healthy eating (PHE) intervention was developed to promote low-sugar dietary practices in families. The PHE intervention capitalized on positive psychological constructs to overcome barriers to health behavior change by helping families associate feelings of joy, gratitude, and savoring with healthy eating. In a cluster randomized controlled trial, 1983 participants from 1467 families were recruited in Hong Kong. PHE included a core and booster session. Data were collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Compared to the control, PHE showed greater increase in intention to change at post-intervention, engagement in low-sugar dietary practices individually and with family members at 3-month follow-up, and greater reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage intake at 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Intentions to change mediated PHE's effects on low-sugar dietary practices. Focus group interviews revealed the behavior-change process and family quality of life.

Physical activity and nutrition in relation to resilience: a cross-sectional study

A healthy lifestyle is often discussed as being a characteristic of or a prerequisite for quality of life. In phases of high subjective stress (work overload, negative thoughts), however, its protective function can be limited. The two present survey studies examined two facets of a health-related lifestyle (physical activity and nutritional awareness), in particular, the correlations with general life satisfaction and their adaptive function in respect to stress (resilience). In addition, because episodes of increased stress can have a negative effect on eating, the interactions with the consumption of less healthy food were examined. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted successively with adults aged between 18 and 72 in Germany. Study 1 (N = 685) examined the research questions with correlations, moderated regression analyses, and structural equation models. Study 2 (N = 628) differentiated between sport, occupational and daily activities. Study 1 showed that the amount of physical activity and nutritional awareness are correlated with life satisfaction. The relationship between stress appraisals and general life satisfaction was moderated by physical activity and nutritional awareness (stress-buffer effect). Study 2 replicated the stress-buffer effects of nutritional awareness, daily activities, and occupational activities. Both studies showed that stress is associated with consumption of less healthy food and found interactions with physical activity and nutritional awareness. Discussed are the adaptive role of physical activity and nutritional awareness in times of stress.Trial Registration EK UniBw M 23-06, 12/16/2022.

Association between dietary intake and symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant women: Evidence from a community-based observational study

Dietary intake is considered as a crucial factor affecting mental health symptoms, particularly depression and anxiety symptoms, especially in the case of pregnant women. This study explored the role of dietary intake in depression and anxiety symptoms of pregnant women and provided evidence for primary care interventions. We enrolled 806 pregnant women in their third trimester from 14 communities in Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China, from July 2019 to September 2019. The Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety symptoms. Dietary intake, demographic characteristics, BMI, and pregnancy characteristics were collected using a self-designed, structural questionnaire. A covariate-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship between mental health symptoms and dietary intake. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in our population were 7.7% (95% CI: 5.9%-9.5%) and 9.2% (95% CI: 7.2%-11.2%), respectively. Women consuming eggs and egg products once a week (OR: 3.688, 95% CI: 1.476-9.215) were more likely to have depression symptom than consumed eggs and egg products once or more per day. Consuming green leafy vegetable <2-3 times per month had a significantly greater risk for depression symptoms than consuming the same once or more per day (OR: 3.450, 95% CI: 1.145-10.393). Women who consumed eggs and egg products 2-3 times a week had an increased likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.253, 95% CI: 1.049-4.837). Anxiety symptoms in women consuming green leafy vegetables <2-3 times per month probably increased by 3.988 times (95% CI: 1.327-11.985) compared with women consuming the same once or more per day. Consuming salted and smoked food <2-3 times per month was protective against anxiety symptoms (OR: 0.181, 95% CI: 0.040-0.828) than consuming the same every day. Implementing interventions to promote healthy dietary among pregnant women is crucial due to its association with mental health. However, future researches are warranted to confirm the reliability and causal association obtained in this study.

The Impact of Social Well-Being on Population Diet Nutritional Value and Antiradical Status

The paper presents the result of assessing the antiradical status of consumers (in the context of Russia) in connection with their well-being. This approach is based on a multistage study, in which the results of sociological surveys were applied, as well as estimates of the antiradical potential (ARP) of diets obtained using neural networks, bootstrapping the chemical composition of diets, and calculating reference values using mathematical models. The paper presents data collected from residents living in the territories of at least 21 regions and cities of Russia: Magadan, Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Krasnodar, Lipetsk, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Voronezh, etc. A total of 1001 people were interviewed, which, according to our calculations, gives a margin of error in value of approximately 3.1%. To calculate the lack of vitamins in the diets of residents of the Russian Federation, data on the chemical composition of food products from the FNDDS database were used. The assessment of dietary habits showed a lack of vitamins below the recommended level in 73% of Russians for vitamin D, 59% for retinol, 38% for β-carotenes, 13% for vitamin E, and 6% for ascorbic acid. The study showed that at least 36% of the Russian population has a low antiradical status, while it was found that "poor" consumers are more likely to consume economically more expensive foods (in terms of their nutritional value). The "poor" segments of the population consume 180-305% more canned food and 38-68% more sweet carbonated drinks than other social groups, but their consumption of vegetables is 23-48% lower. On the contrary, "wealthy" consumers consume 17-25% more complex (varied) dishes, 10-68% more fresh vegetables, and 8-39% more fish. From the obtained values it follows that consumers with low levels of ARP in their diets are in a group with an increased probability of a number of "excess" diseases (diseases of the cardiovascular system, obesity, etc.). In general, the ARP values of food consumed for low-income segments of the population were 2.3 times lower (the ratio was calculated as the percentage of consumers below the level of 11,067 equivalents necessary for the disposal of free radicals generated in the human body per day) than for those who can afford expensive food (consumers with high income). A simple increase in consumption of unbalanced foods, in our opinion, will only contribute to the entry of these consumers into the "average diet trap". All this makes it imperative to develop comprehensive measures to create a new concept of public catering; otherwise, we can expect a reduction in both the health of the population and the performance of the economy of the whole country.

Longitudinal Dietary Trajectories With Cognitive and Psychosocial Well-Being in Chinese Adults Aged 85 Years and Older in Singapore

Background and Objectives

Studies on longitudinal trajectories of diet and the influence on aging in older adults are limited. We characterized diet quality trajectories over the past 2 decades among adults aged ≥85 years and examined their associations with cognitive and psychosocial outcomes.

Research Design and Methods

We used data from 861 participants in the population-based Singapore Chinese Health Study. Dietary intakes were assessed at baseline (mean age [range]: 65 [60-74] years) and at follow-ups 3 (85 [81-95]) and 4 (88 [85-97]) years. Diet quality was measured by adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension pattern, and group-based trajectory modeling was used to derive diet quality trajectories. At Follow-up 4, we assessed cognition using the Singapore-modified Mini-Mental State Examination, depressive symptoms using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, social engagement, and self-rated health. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations of diet quality trajectories with these outcomes.

Results

About 49.7% had a trajectory with consistently low diet quality scores, whereas 50.3% had a trajectory with consistently high diet quality scores. Compared to the "consistently low" trajectory, the "consistently high" trajectory had 29% and 26% lower likelihoods of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms, respectively (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.71 [0.51, 0.99] and 0.74 [0.55, 0.99], respectively); as well as 47% higher likelihood of social engagement (1.47 [1.09, 1.98]). No statistically significant association was observed between the trajectories and self-rated health.

Discussion and Implications

Maintaining high diet quality throughout the older adult life course was associated with better cognitive and psychosocial well-being in adults aged ≥85 years.

Adaptation and Validation of the Well-Being Related to Food Questionnaire (Well-BFQ©) for the French-Speaking General Adult Population of Québec, Canada

Efforts to develop effective strategies that improve dietary intake are needed; however, this improvement in diet quality must not be at the expense of well-being. The Well-Being related to Food Questionnaire (Well-BFQ©) is a tool that has been developed in France to comprehensively measure food well-being. Even though the same language is spoken in France and in Québec, cultural and linguistic differences are present, which supports the importance of adapting and validating this tool before its use in the Québec population. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Well-BFQ© for the French-speaking general adult population of Québec, Canada. The Well-BFQ© underwent a full linguistic adaptation process, including an expert panel adaptation step, a pretest among 30 French-speaking adult (18-65 years) Quebecers, and a final proofreading. The questionnaire was thereafter administered to 203 French-speaking adult Quebecers (49.3% females, M_AGE = 34.9, SD = 13.5; 88.2% Caucasians; 54.2% with a university degree). The exploratory factor analysis showed a two-factor structure: (1) food well-being related to physical and psychological health (27 items) and (2) food well-being related to symbolic/pleasure of food (32 items). Internal consistency was adequate, with a Cronbach's α of 0.92 and 0.93, respectively, for the subscales, and 0.94 for the total scale. The total food well-being score, as well as the two subscale scores, were associated with psychological and eating-related variables in expected directions. Overall, the adapted version of the Well-BFQ© was found to be a valid instrument to measure food well-being in the French-speaking general adult population of Québec, Canada.

Digital literacy and subjective happiness of low-income groups: Evidence from rural China

Improvements of the happiness of the rural population are an essential sign of the effectiveness of relative poverty governance. In the context of today's digital economy, assessing the relationship between digital literacy and the subjective happiness of rural low-income groups is of great practicality. Based on data from China Family Panel Studies, the effect of digital literacy on the subjective well-being of rural low-income groups was empirically tested. A significant happiness effect of digital literacy on rural low-income groups was found. Digital literacy promotes the subjective happiness of rural low-income groups through income increase and consumption growth effects. The observed happiness effect is heterogeneous among different characteristic groups, and digital literacy significantly positively impacts the subjective happiness of rural low-income groups. Decomposition of subjective happiness into life satisfaction and job satisfaction shows that digital literacy significantly positively affects the job and life satisfaction of rural low-income groups. This paper demonstrates that digital literacy induces a practical happiness effect. To further strengthen the subjective welfare effect of digital literacy in the construction of digital villages, the government should focus on cultivating digital literacy among low-income groups from the demand side. The construction of digital infrastructure should be actively promoted from the supply side.

Co-creation through non-dyadic service experiences using service design

Scant empirical research has examined non-dyadic multi-actor service experiences within the food industry. Drawing from the theories of multi-actor co-creation, service dominant logic and service experience, this paper investigates the meal-kit industry and its role in enhanced food well-being among consumers. Specifically, it answers the following research questions; 1) which stages are there in food preparation and consumption routine when using meal-kits and 2), how do these relate to the components of FWB. This exploratory study used service design tools including mind maps, prompt cards, cultural probes, and a cognitive mapping activity with interviews, to examine the food experience of participants within the meal-kit industry over the period of a week. The findings indicate five stages of food preparation and consumption that through multi-actor interactions, even when deviant to the intended purpose, lead to food experiences that can enable the co-creation of emotional, social, and cognitive benefits specifically contributing to Food Socialisation, Food Availability and Food Literacy from the FWB framework. The investigation into contextual influences and interactions with the resources within the consumer’s network across all phases of food consumption, reflects the consumer’s changing food experiences over time and the consumer’s improved relationship with food, helping in turn to predict their food well-being. This research provides insights as to how consumer interactions with service offerings and actors within their network develop new applications of a service’s value propositions based on one’s specific needs and situational context.

Exploring an Artificial Intelligence–Based, Gamified Phone App Prototype to Track and Improve Food Choices of Adolescent Girls in Vietnam: Acceptability, Usability, and Likeability Study

Background

Adolescents’ consumption of healthy foods is suboptimal in low- and middle-income countries. Adolescents’ fondness for games and social media and the increasing access to smartphones make apps suitable for collecting dietary data and influencing their food choices. Little is known about how adolescents use phones to track and shape their food choices.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the acceptability, usability, and likability of a mobile phone app prototype developed to collect dietary data using artificial intelligence–based image recognition of foods, provide feedback, and motivate users to make healthier food choices. The findings were used to improve the design of the app.

Methods

A total of 4 focus group discussions (n=32 girls, aged 15-17 years) were conducted in Vietnam. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed by grouping ideas into common themes based on content analysis and ground theory.

Results

Adolescents accepted most of the individual- and team-based dietary goals presented in the app prototype to help them make healthier food choices. They deemed the overall app wireframes, interface, and graphic design as acceptable, likable, and usable but suggested the following modifications: tailored feedback based on users’ medical history, anthropometric characteristics, and fitness goals; new language on dietary goals; provision of information about each of the food group dietary goals; wider camera frame to fit the whole family food tray, as meals are shared in Vietnam; possibility of digitally separating food consumption on shared meals; and more appealing graphic design, including unique badge designs for each food group. Participants also liked the app’s feedback on food choices in the form of badges, notifications, and statistics. A new version of the app was designed incorporating adolescent’s feedback to improve its acceptability, usability, and likability.

Conclusions

A phone app prototype designed to track food choice and help adolescent girls from low- and middle-income countries make healthier food choices was found to be acceptable, likable, and usable. Further research is needed to examine the feasibility of using this technology at scale.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and subjective well-being among Chilean children

Scientific literature has demonstrated positive associations between psychological health (e.g., self-esteem, self-concept) and quality of diet in young population. However, the relationship between subjective well-being (SWB) (referred to the way in which individuals experience and evaluate their lives in positive versus negative ways) and adherence to the MD, as well as the specific eating MD patterns in this population is unexplored. The aim of this study was two-fold: first, to explore the association between subjective well-being (SWB) and adherence to the MD, and second, to determine the possible MD specific eating patterns that could be associated with SWB among Chilean schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study includes a sample of 1490 children aged 8-12 (33.6% girls). SWB was evaluated according to Diener's tripartite model, evaluating the life satisfaction (CUBE questionnaire), positive affect and negative affect (PANAS-C8 questionnaire). Adherence to the MD was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire. Both life satisfaction (p = 0.009) and positive affect (p = 0.041) are significant higher in children with high adherence to the MD in comparison to non-adherence peers. Similarly, daily intake of fruit or fruit juice was associated with life satisfaction (β = 0.117, p = 0.008) and positive affect (β = 0.087, p = 0.050). This association was also found for the intake of a dairy product for breakfast (life satisfaction: β = 0.117, p = 0.005; positive affect: β = 0.104, p = 0.013). Our study demonstrated that higher life satisfaction and SWB are related with higher adherence to the MD, as well as, with the intake of fruit/fruit juice and dairy intake (for breakfast); not being so for negative affect.

Prospective Associations of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Psychological Distress and Well-Being: A 12-Year Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the associations of leisure-time physical activity with psychological distress and well-being, and potential mediators.

METHODS

We used data from the 1970 British Cohort Study (n = 5197; 2688 men), including waves 34y (2004), 42y (2012), and 46y (2016). Participants reported leisure-time physical activity frequency and intensity (exposure) at age 34 years (baseline); cognition (vocabulary test), body mass index, disability, mobility and pain perception (potential mediators) at age 42 years; and psychological distress (Malaise Inventory) and well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh scale) at age 46 years. Baseline confounders included sex, country, education, employment status, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and psychological distress. Main analyses included logistic regression and mediation models.

RESULTS

Higher leisure-time physical activity intensity at baseline was associated with lower psychological distress at 46y (β = -0.038 [95% confidence interval {CI} =-0.069 to -0.007]), but not leisure-time physical activity frequency. Baseline leisure-time physical activity frequency and intensity were associated with higher psychological well-being at 46y (frequency: β = 0.089 [95% CI = 0.002 to 0.176]; intensity: β = 0.262 [95% CI = 0.123 to 0.401]); and total: β = 0.041 [95% CI = 0.013 to 0.069]). Only body mass index at 42y partially mediated the association between leisure-time physical activity frequency (15.7%) and total leisure-time physical activity (6.2%) at 34y, with psychological well-being at 46y.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the role of leisure-time physical activity in psychological distress and well-being, with greater effect sizes associated with higher frequency and intensity of leisure-time physical activity. Future interventions should consider examining potential mediators of the association of leisure-time physical activity with psychological well-being, such as body mass index.

Well-Being and Cooking Behavior: Using the Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA) Model as a Theoretical Framework

The prevalence of psychosocial distress is increasing in the United States. At the same time, the American default lifestyle has steadily displaced household food production with industrial food production, despite increased cultural interest in cooking. An important focus of cooking research to date has been on cooking's association with nutrition and dietary quality. Less focus has been placed on how cooking might foster the qualities that allow for mitigation of psychosocial distress and promote well-being. Rooted in its evolutionary role in the human experience, cooking requires skills and knowledge that have the capacity to encourage aspects of well-being as described by Seligman as flourishing. Evidence for a beneficial role of cooking in psychosocial health exists, but the exploration is limited, potentially due to lack of a theoretical context to explain these benefits. From this perspective, we review the current literature showing the application of Seligman's prominent well-being model, Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA), to cooking, defined as the activity related to the preparation of food or a meal. We propose that the PERMA model as applied to cooking may function as a theoretical framework to explore psychosocial outcomes associated with cooking. Broader application of this approach may also help to further the application of positive psychology in the developing literature around psychosocial health and nutrition-related chronic diseases.

Dataset on The Cultural Dimension of Urban Society Food Consumption in Indonesia

This article introduces a dataset that presents the cultural values and practices of food consumption patterns in major urban communities in Indonesian cities. The data illustrate the cultural characteristics of urban residents’ food consumption patterns based on social class categories. Data collection was conducted in five major Indonesian cities through face-to-face interviews with 710 respondents identified using a stratified random sampling technique. The data show that culture has a dominant influence on the pattern of food consumption of urban communities in Indonesia in comparison with economic and health dimensions. Although the value and practice sub-dimensions are conceptually related, the cultural dimension of food consumption patterns in the five urban communities is more dominated by religious value than other cultural practices. Regarding food consumption patterns, urban upper classes are more dominantly influenced by economic dimensions and modern healthy lifestyles than cultural dimensions.

Community Supported Agriculture as a Driver of Food-Related Well-Being

Background: There is a growing amount of research interest to understand the role of food in well-being. The demand for community supported agriculture (CSA), bringing people spatially, economically, and socially closer to food, is continuously expanding. CSAs play an important role in both sustainable agriculture practices and influencing consumers’ food-related practices, but yet have received little attention in well-being research. Methods: This study explores food-related well-being among CSA members by using an exploratory, qualitative research design and a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Results: The findings stress the relevance of psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of food-related well-being beyond the nutritional characteristics of food in CSA. Conclusion: The role of sustainable agriculture in contributing to food-related well-being becomes particularly evident based on consumers’ experiences. These results are important in convincing people that their food-related experiences belong to their perceived well-being as well as stimulating people to elevate their multidimensional expectations in relation to food.