Influences on Food Choices

1
Influences on Food Choices

• What influences your food choice? What do you
  choose to eat when you are hungry? Who eats with
  you? When do you eat? How do you feel when you
  eat?

2
Cultural Influences

• Culture customs and beliefs of a racial,
  religious or social group
• Many people have more than 1 culture or are
  Multicultural
• Tossed Salad made up of a variety of cultures,
  religions, racial groups ect.
• National Origin as people colonized they brought
  food with them from their cultures
• Examples
• French chowders
• Chinese stir fry dishes
• Some ingredients weren't always available so they
  had to adapt recipes
• Because many immigrants settled together often
  these foods are more popular in certain regions

3
Religon

• Many religions have influence on food habits
  about food and how it should be eaten
• Example Hindus- will not use cattle for food
  because they are considered sacred, Muslims- only
  eat with the right hand
• Food is used for religious offerings and symbols
• Wine used to symbolize the sacrifice of Christ
• Unleavened bread is important as a symbol during
  passover
• Lent
• Catholics and not eating meat on Friday
• Fasting denying oneself food is a religious
  custom
• Food has also been used in burial ceremonies

4
Holidays

• Special days set aside for celebration
• Cultural Influences apparent on these days
• Food used as symbolism on these holidays
• Example
• Chocolate shaped hearts for love on valentines
  day
• Other foods have just become part of customs
  because they were part of the celebration
• Hot Dogs/Cook Outs on Fourth of July
• Turkey on Thanksgiving
• Ham, Deviled Eggs on easter

5
Social Influences

• Food can bring people together
• Often offered to guests
• Often part of business transactions
• Food Plays a BIG part in social life
• Family Members, Friends, Media and Trends are
  social influences on food choices as well

6
Family

• Big impact on food and food choices
• Many favorite food are food we ate growing up
• Food plays an important role in family traditions
  and special occasions
• Special meals for family nights, birthdays and
  holidays
• Lifestyle patterns and lifestyle changes play an
  important role
• Families used to eat all three meals together and
  discuss events and problems, spiritual growth
• Few families do this now, due to busy schedules
  and dual income families

7
Friends

• Friends affect food choices
• Peer Pressure influence that comes from people
  in a social group
• Pressure you to order similar or same foods that
  they are eating or pressure you to try new foods
  or preparation techniques

8
Psychological Influences

• Foods can satisfy emotional needs
• Associated with positive experiences
• Babies associate food with warmth and security
• Children associate it with Birthday parties,
  Movies
• Adults associate it with memories, holidays
• Pleasant experiences can cause you to like
  certain food and unpleasing experiences can cause
  you dislike certain foods
• Think Food Poisoning

9
MEDIA!!

• Television, Radio, Magazines and Internet
  influence food choices
• Introduces you to, reminds you of and informs you
  about food products
• ADVERTISING Key way media influences your food
  choices
• Many techniques are used
• Try to appeal to your desire, pride, coupons,
  rebates, etc.
• Be aware of how you are being tempted and
  evaluate the message
• Is it accurate? Will it meet your needs?
• This will help you make better decisions

10
Evaluating Information

• Who conducted the research?
• Where the results published? If so where?
• How was the study set up? Who funded it?
• How many people were questioned? Studied?
• What are the beneficial or harmful effects of the
  food?
• Does it affect different groups of people?

11
Advertisement Examples

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vbDH4AboJKPk
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vEmnDtL83cvA
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vNnADo4h6vSo

12
Food Fads and Fallacies

• Fad Practice that is very popular for a short
  time
• Fallacy mistaken belief
• Many are related to nutrition, weight loss and
  food safety
• Example Adding raw eggs to shakes to build
  muscles, Adding gelatin to your diet to make
  nails grow better, Diets Master Cleanse,
  Cabbage, etc.
• Before tying out a food trend...GET THE FACTS!

13
Products and Trends

• Demands drive trends
• Easy Preparation for people that do not have time
  to cook
• Great Taste Two main trends
• Ethnic foods
• Indulgence Foods items such as premium ice
  creams, gourmet foods
• Nutrition
• Low Fat products
• Functional Foods Foods that provide health
  benefits beyond the nutrients they contain
• Examples soy products that are marketed to
  prevent heart disease

14
Assignment

• Review your food habits by completing your food
  habits worksheet
• Review food advertising by completing the
  Advertising Analysis