Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF) diets are currently much debated in both the media and the academic literature. However, little is known about the acceptability of these diets among Māori, who commonly consume diets high in carbohydrates, and how they might interpret recommendations to follow these diets. This study aims to investigate how LCHF diets are perceived by members of the Māori community (Dunedin) and some of the barriers and facilitators to following this type of diet.
METHODS:
Face-to-face interviews was conducted with n=18 Māori participants, (13 females, 5 males). They were recruited by word of mouth around the University of Otago and door approaches in low decile neighborhoods. Interviews focused on their perceptions about carbohydrates, such as how often they ate carbohydrates, and their food habits including high carbohydrate and high-fat foods. Other questions included the participants' thoughts on the LCHF diet, and if they would be willing to try an LCHF diet. Interview transcripts were analysed by inductive thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Māori are highly motivated to living healthy lives. Motivating factors include family, culture, achieving a desired body weight and fear of developing diet-related diseases experienced by other family members. Participants’ knowledge and views of dietary fat are diverse. Saturated fat is still considered by many as unhealthy however, saturated fat from natural (less processed) sources is perceived by a significant number of participants as being healthy. As a staple food in Māori diets, starchy carbohydrates appeal because they are cheap, satiating and convenient. LCHF diets are viewed positively because it emphasizes eating fewer processed foods, which are associated with poor health outcomes and resembles diets of pre – colonised Māori. Barriers to LCHF diets were the cost of foods, concern for children’s food preference, lack of time, information, understanding and meal ideas.
CONCLUSION:
Our study suggests that perceptions of the LCHF diet by Māori adults is divided and their understanding is not based on sound evidence. Significant barriers and facilitators cause indecision in the application of the LCHF diet. Further research is needed to determine whether Māori perception of LCHF is accurate.
KEYWORDS:
Carbohydrates, High Fat, Diet, Nutrition, Processed foods, Saturated fat, Māori, Health, Traditional foods