Food Choices and Cultures

How do cultures impact nutrition and food choices?

Where are you from? Social factors include ethnicity, cultural background, social class, and peer group influences. Food preference selection is influenced by cultural norms and food customs that shape the cultural identity of different groups. Family and friends may influence food preference selection through family-related activities and the act of physically providing food.

Who are you? Psychological factors include attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and emotions that shape our perceptions and behaviors around food. For instance, some individuals may see food as a means of reward, comfort, or celebration and may establish emotional ties to certain foods.  "Traditional African-American foods, or “soul food,” are characteristic of the American South and consist of hearty dishes like macaroni and cheese, biscuits and gravy, cornbread, fried chicken, fried fish, barbequed ribs, and other meats. Sweet tea, fruit pies, cakes, and other rich desserts are common fare. Recipes are often passed down from generation to generation and can be an important component of African-American cultural identity. Traditional soul food preparation methods are typically high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, which may lead to increased chronic disease risk, along with other lifestyle behaviors"(Winham, Knoblauch, Heer, Thompson& Der Ananian, 2020).

What do you believe? Moral and ethical considerations may have a significant impact on food choices for some people. For instance, ethical considerations regarding animal welfare may impact food choices for individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Religious beliefs may also impact food choices, particularly in terms of the avoidance or consumption of certain foods.

Where do you live? Our environment also plays a crucial role in our food choices. The physical factors that affect food choices include availability, convenience, cost, and accessibility of food items. The availability of a wide range of food items while shopping can promote a diet diversity necessary for nutrient balance.

Contemporary nutrition controversies include debates about nutrition science, food safety, biotechnology, the obesity epidemic, and sustainability. These controversies can shape our food choices as we seek out information to make informed choices.

Different cultures differ in their food habits and eating patterns. For instance, in Western cultures, breakfast is typically a big meal eaten first thing in the morning, while in Asian cultures, breakfast may consist of rice or noodles. Cultural affiliations may drive food preferences, resulting in the consumption of specific food items.

In conclusion, an array of factors shapes our food choices, including social, psychological, philosophical, physical, and contemporary nutrition controversies, and cultural differences. Health practitioners and nutritionists should consider these factors when providing nutrition education and guidance for individuals and or communities.

References:

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2017). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (14th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.

Winham, D. M., Knoblauch, S. T., Heer, M. M., Thompson, S. V., & Der Ananian, C. (2020). African-American Views of Food Choices and Use of Traditional Foods. American Journal of Health Behavior, 44(6), 848–863. https://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.44.6.9.6.9