Nutritional intervention with preschoolers using sensory workshops/Intervencao nutricional com pre-escolares utilizando oficinas sensoriais

Introduction: Sensory workshops based on the Sapere method have shown promising results in reducing neophobia and in promoting healthy eating among preschoolers. Objective: To assess the effect of an intervention developed with sensory workshops to encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables by preschoolers. Methods: Non-randomized study in public preschools in Rio de Janeiro in 2018. A total of 270 children aged 4 to 6 years (91 in the control group and 179 in the intervention group) participated in the study. The intervention consisted of five sensory workshops using beans, fruits and vegetables. Consumption of vegetables, fruits and legumes was assessed, as well as of unhealthy foods, before and after the intervention, using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Weight condition was determined based on the body mass index for age. Results: The most important outcome was a reduced rejection of bean (13% vs. 5%; p