2018-09-142018-09-142007-06SILVA, Daniela Gonçalves et al. Crenças alimentares como hábitos de vida. Revista Enfermagem UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, v. 15, n. 2, p. 255-260, abr./jun. 2007.e- 0104-3552http://repositorio.bc.ufg.br/handle/ri/15910This research aims both at identifying the main diet beliefs adopted by users of health services and at analyzing how those beliefs influence the life habits of that population. It is a qualitative study, performed with 50 clients of two hospitals on the public network, in Goiânia-GO, Brazil, 2004. We recorded interviews guided by half-structured questionnaires. We found that most clients use and confirm positive effects attributed to food upon health upkeeping and recovery. There is a consensus among them that those resources are more valuable to the prevention than to the cure of illnesses. Many users report diet knowledge to be delivered through different generations or social groups. We understand it is up to the health professional neither to prohibit nor to criticize or to censor his clients’ beliefs but, instead, to act as a guide on health promotion.porAcesso AbertoCrença alimentarRecurso popularPromoção da saúdeCulturaDiet beliefsPopular knowledgeHealth promotionCultureArtigo