Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet and fish oil supplementation on mental and cardiometabolic health of Community Rehabilitation Centre residents: a pilot feasibility study

Participants will be given free fish oil capsules (providing 750mg EPA + DHA/day) for 6 months and weekly free food hampers (containing a weekly supply of extra virgin olive oil, seasonal fruit and vegetables, legumes and nuts) for 3 months. They will take part in 1-hour long weekly cooking workshops over 6 months (currently held twice a week) in basic cooking skills and Mediterranean-style diet and will be encouraged to set goals for healthy eating and cooking each week. Workers will assist them to incorporate recipes provided into their weekly shopping list and cooking as part of their existing rehabilitation program. Adherence will be monitored by staff recording of fish oil capsules, food diaries where possible, and blood samples that will indicate whether levels of omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids have increased and homocysteine and sodium:potassium ratio have decreased. Fish oil capsules and hampers will all commence at baseline; fish oil will be provided for 6 months and free hampers for 3 months, after which participants will be assisted to purchase required food items as part of their weekly shopping.