Food choices are influenced by various factors which we will investigate in this post.
Factors that affect food choices can be classified as economical, biological, social or environmental.
A food’ s sensory appeal is associated with an increased likelihood of its consumption. Alternatively, a food that is less palatable is consumed in less amounts. A food particularly with good taste is likely to be consumed in higher quantities in comparison to a less tasty food.
Stress can induce changes in eating patterns and food choices. You may find that sometimes you consume foods to make you feel less stressed. hedoni foods
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Mood -Ther e are instances when you may consume food to cope with emotions. When you’re stressed or angry you may find that you have higher intakes of food. Also, when you’re dieting , you may feel the need to compensate because of the cravings you may have due to restricting certain foods.
Food availability– The majority of foods can be found in particular seasons of the year. The purchase of foods when in season means buying them at an affordable price and when they are abundant in supply. Consuming a food is likely higher during its peak season than other times in the year.
The cost of food is certainly an important factor in selecting a food. Mostly , individuals will select affordable alternatives to preserve their budget .They will also often opt to eat at home than dine out due to the same reason.
Health concerns can also influence the foods to be chosen. If certain conditions require the elimination of a particular nutrient , then foods containing such a nutrient will be avoided. For example, if a person has gluten sensistivity , he or she may have to avoid foods that contain gluten. Alternatively, if a person is deficient in a particular nutrient, he or she may have to prioritize foods with the particular nutrient that is lacking. For example, if someone is anaemic, they may have to prioritize the intake of vegetables, eggs, meats etc.
Marketing and advertising can influence the purchase of certain food items. If a food is marketed to you regularly with beneficial claims , you are likely to end up buying it even if later.
Food preferences-You are more likely to select foods that you prefer compared to those that you do not. If you like a certain food because of its taste or texture, you will likely choose to include it in your diet more often than those you don’t like.
Cultural and social factors: Cultural traditions and religious beliefs also affect food choices. Certain religious beliefs may discourage the consumption of certain foods i.e. meat. Also different cultures consume very different foods- what may be a staple in one community may be forbidden in another. Individuals will tend to consume what they find culurally-apropriate.
Nutrition knowledge-Those with nutrition knowledge will frequently choose nutritious foods as they are aware of the importance of the various nutrients in their diets. Nutrition knowledge guides them into understanding the various foods, and how the nutrients contained in them are important for the body.
Household income-Households will tend to purchase foods they can afford without stretching their budgets.
Time constraints-Individuals with busy lifetsyles will opt for foods they can easily prepare rather than those that require a lot of time to make. Their food choices will be centred on what is either ready-made or takes little time before its ready.
Food choices are influenced by various factors that can either be economical, biological, social or environmental.With better nutrition knowledge however, individuals are able to make healthier food choices.