title: Do we know how much we put on the plate? Assessment of the accuracy of self-estimated versus weighed vegetables and whole grain portions using an Intelligent Buffet at the FoodScape Lab.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of self-estimated vegetable and whole grain serving sizes in a self-served buffet meal. The study took place in a laboratory setting where an Intelligent Buffet was used to register the exact weight of each food type that was self-served by each participant. The initial sample consisted of 58 participants recruited from Aalborg University in Copenhagen, of which 52 participants (59% male) provided complete estimates on the weight of whole grains and 49 participants (63% male) provided complete estimates on the weight of vegetable servings in their meal. The majority of the participants were students aged 20-29 years (85% for whole grain responses and 82% for vegetable responses). Significant differences between self-estimated and actual portion size estimates were observed for both vegetables and whole grains (P < 0.001). The mean self-estimated weight of a vegetable serving was 218(±134) g compared to the mean actual weight of 74(±44) g. The mean self-estimated and mean actual weights of a whole grain serving were 36(±34) g and 10(±9) g, respectively. There was no significant correlation between self-estimated and actual weights for each food group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the participants' ability to accurately assess the serving size of vegetables and whole grains in a self-served meal did not correspond with the actual amount served. This may have implications for consumer interpretation of dietary recommendations used in nutrition interventions in Denmark.
authors.affiliation: Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Meal Science and Public Health Nutrition Research Group, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark.
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Nørnberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Meal Science and Public Health Nutrition Research Group, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Houlby
authors.affiliation: Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Meal Science and Public Health Nutrition Research Group, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark.
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
authors.affiliation: Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Meal Science and Public Health Nutrition Research Group, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: He
authors.affiliation: Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Meal Science and Public Health Nutrition Research Group, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark. Electronic address: apce@plan.aau.dk.
authors.forename: F J A
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Pérez-Cueto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003718:Denmark; D004032:Diet; D002523:Edible Grain; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D064787:Portion Size; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: FoodScape Lab; Intelligent Buffet; Self-estimation; Serving size; Vegetables; Whole grain