The purpose of this study was to examine a nutrition education program, using the Diabetic Exchange List for Meal Planning (modified to include specific foods offered at the California State University, Long Beach dorm foodservice) and how students eat during their second semester of dorm living. Specific objectives included recording eating habits, with a 3-day food record, before and after the education program. Diets were examined for intakes of total kcals, fat, fruits and vegetables, and distribution of kcals within the three macronutrients carbohydrate, protein, and fat.

Findings of this study indicate that college students can and will change to a more healthful eating pattern with a little nutrition education, and the Diabetic Exchange List is an effective education tool. An increase in the intake of fruits and vegetables, unsaturated fat, and dairy was found while no difference was found between the way males and females change after the education.