The healthy eating challenge: An experiential project for learning and applying behavior change theory.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic diseases are largely driven by modifiable behavioral risk factors yet training in behavior change strategies remains limited. This study evaluated the Healthy Eating Challenge (HEC) as an experiential, nutrition-based intervention designed to develop behavior-change competencies in pharmacy students. METHODS: The HEC was integrated into a psychiatric pharmacotherapy elective for third-year pharmacy students and implemented over nine weeks. The program included educational materials, breakfast recipes, self-monitoring tools, and individualized SMART objectives. Pre- and post-surveys assessed readiness to change, perceived facilitators and barriers, and engagement with behavior change techniques. Debriefing sessions were used to reinforce learning. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Of 20 enrolled students, 16 completed the intervention and evaluation. After participation in the HEC, readiness for dietary behavior change increased from an average score of 59.4 to 64.9, with 68.8% of students indicating readiness to make a dietary change. Students demonstrated engagement with behavior change strategies, including self-monitoring, journaling, reflection, and goal setting. Nearly all participants (93.8%) developed individualized SMART objectives, with 86.6% reporting achievement or ongoing progress toward their goals. Nutrition knowledge, self-awareness, and structured planning emerged as key facilitators of behavior change, while time constraints remained the primary barrier. CONCLUSION: The HEC supported the development of foundational behavior change competencies among student pharmacists. By experiencing lifestyle modification challenges firsthand, students gain insight into patient barriers and develop skills applicable to patient-centered counseling. Experiential behavior change training may strengthen pharmacy curricula and better prepare future pharmacists to support lifestyle modification in accordance with treatment guidelines.