Researchers in Germany tested whether a 10-week community program could help people develop better habits around eating more plant-based foods. The program taught 111 people strategies for planning healthy meals and building confidence in their ability to stick with these changes. Over two years, people in the program showed significant improvements in their planning skills, confidence, and motivation compared to a group that received no program. While the results are promising, scientists still need to confirm whether these mental changes actually lead to people eating more plants long-term.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a 10-week community lifestyle program could help people develop the mental skills and confidence needed to eat more plant-based foods
  • Who participated: 186 adults in rural Germany, with 111 joining the program and 75 serving as a comparison group. Participants were followed for 24 months total
  • Key finding: People in the program showed significant improvements in planning skills, confidence in eating healthy, and ability to bounce back from setbacks—improvements that stayed strong even 22 months after the program ended
  • What it means for you: Community-based programs may help build the mental tools needed for dietary change, though more research is needed to confirm people actually eat more plants as a result. This approach appears most helpful for people motivated to make lifestyle changes

The Research Details

This was a 24-month study conducted in rural Germany where researchers compared two groups of people. One group (111 people) participated in an intensive 10-week program designed to improve healthy eating habits, followed by 22 months of ongoing support through an alumni community. The other group (75 people) received no program and served as a comparison. Both groups completed questionnaires at six different time points to measure their confidence, planning skills, and eating behaviors. The researchers used a framework called the Health Action Process Approach, which focuses on the mental steps people go through when changing behaviors.

Understanding what happens in people’s minds during behavior change is crucial because many people know they should eat healthier but struggle to actually do it. This study looked at the psychological building blocks—like planning ability and confidence—that might help people succeed. By testing these mental factors in a real community setting rather than a lab, the results are more likely to apply to everyday life.

This study has several strengths: it followed people for a long time (24 months), measured multiple aspects of behavior change, and used a structured framework for understanding how people change. However, it wasn’t a randomized controlled trial (where people are randomly assigned to groups), which means the groups might have been different in ways that affected results. The study also measured confidence and planning but didn’t fully confirm that these changes led to actual dietary changes, which is an important limitation

What the Results Show

People in the intervention group showed significant improvements across all measured psychological factors. Their planning skills improved, their confidence in eating healthy increased, and their ability to recover from setbacks improved. These improvements were strongest right after the 10-week intensive program ended. Importantly, these gains didn’t disappear—people maintained these improvements throughout the 22-month follow-up period, suggesting the program had lasting effects. The comparison group, which received no intervention, did not show these same improvements over time.

The study found that improvements in planning and confidence were correlated with healthier eating patterns, suggesting these mental factors may be connected to actual dietary choices. However, the researchers noted that they didn’t directly measure whether people actually increased their plant-based food intake, which is an important gap. The program appeared to work similarly well for different types of participants, suggesting it may have broad appeal.

This research builds on existing knowledge that community-based programs can help with lifestyle change. The finding that psychological factors like planning and confidence improve is consistent with previous research. However, this study adds new information by showing these improvements can last for nearly two years after a program ends, which is longer than many previous studies tracked. The use of a structured psychological framework (Health Action Process Approach) provides a more detailed understanding of how behavior change happens compared to some earlier research.

The biggest limitation is that this wasn’t a randomized controlled trial, meaning people who chose to join the program might have been more motivated than those who didn’t, which could explain some results. The study measured confidence and planning skills but didn’t directly measure whether people actually ate more plant-based foods—researchers only found a correlation, not proof of cause-and-effect. The study took place in rural Germany, so results might not apply to other countries or urban areas. Finally, the comparison group received no intervention at all, so we don’t know if a different type of program might work just as well or better

The Bottom Line

If you’re interested in eating more plant-based foods, a community-based program that teaches planning skills and builds confidence may help you succeed. These programs appear most effective when combined with ongoing community support. Start with the 10-week intensive phase, then stay connected with a community group for continued support. Moderate confidence: The research shows these programs improve planning and confidence, but more evidence is needed to confirm they lead to lasting dietary changes.

This approach is most helpful for people who want to eat healthier but struggle with planning or confidence. It may work best for those living in communities where group programs are available. People with specific medical conditions should consult their doctor before making major dietary changes. This research is less relevant for people who already eat a plant-based diet or those without access to community programs.

You can expect to notice improvements in your planning skills and confidence within the first 10 weeks of an intensive program. However, actual changes in eating habits may take longer—typically several months to see noticeable dietary shifts. The benefits appear to last at least 22 months based on this research, suggesting these are sustainable changes rather than temporary fixes

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your meal planning activities weekly: record how many times you planned meals in advance, how many plant-based meals you prepared, and your confidence level (1-10 scale) in sticking to plant-based eating. This mirrors the study’s focus on planning and confidence as key behavior-change factors
  • Use the app to set a weekly meal-planning reminder (e.g., every Sunday) where you plan 3-5 plant-based meals for the coming week. Rate your confidence in executing each meal plan. Join or create a community group within the app to share meal plans and encourage each other, mimicking the community support aspect of the successful program
  • Monitor three metrics monthly: (1) percentage of meals that are plant-based, (2) your average confidence score in maintaining healthy eating, and (3) your ability to recover from dietary setbacks. Compare these metrics quarterly to track long-term progress, similar to the study’s 6 measurement points over 24 months

This research suggests community programs may help improve planning and confidence around plant-based eating, but it does not prove these programs directly cause people to eat more plants. The study was conducted in rural Germany and results may not apply to all populations. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions, diabetes, or take medications, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian. This summary is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.