Factors Influencing Food Choices

OR:

Why are you eating that?

Factors Influencing Food Choices

PhysicalPsychologicalSocialCultural Resources

Physical Factor: Health

Food is essential to life Nutrients are needed for body to

function properly And to control diseases such as

diabetes

Physical Factor: Taste

You enjoy the taste of food Source of pleasure

Physical Factor: Age

Needs are different throughout the life cycle

Physical Factor: Appetite vs Hunger

Appetite: A natural and healthy desire for food “Want it”

Hunger: Body needs food “Need It”

Psychological Factor: Emotional Eating

Stressed, troubled, bored, or unhappy

Psychological Factor: Means of Rewards

Food for good grades Food for good behavior

Psychological Factor : Associations with Past Experiences

Reminds you of when you were a child Attach importance to an occasion or a

loved one

Social Factor: Family

A time for families to prepare and share meals and time together

Social: Peer Pressure

Your friends influence your choices

Social Factor: Special Occasions

Holidays, weddings, birthday parties

Social Factor: Food Fads

What’s new and trendy?– Local (100 mile diet)– Healthy– Gluten-free

Social Factor: Lifestyle

Your daily activities (or lack of)

Social Factor: Advertising

Advertisers want to convince you to buy their product

Cultural Factor: National Origin

Geographical location Staple Foods in that area Local economy Foreign Contact

Cultural Factor: Religion

Hindus may not eat beef Jews may keep Kosher Catholics may refrain from meat on

certain days Muslims may not eat nor drink during

daylight hours (Ramadan)

Cultural Factor: Ethnic Traditions

Food customs are handed down

Resource Factor: Food Supply

What foods are available (seasonality)

Resource Factor: Time

Time to shop Time to prepare meals Time to eat

Resources: Energy

Electricity or gas Personal energy

Resource Factor: Skills & Knowledge

Knowing how to prepare meals Having the skills to cook well

Resource Factor: Money

The amount of money you have influences the food you can buy