Influence on Food Choices Activity You will be

Influence on Food Choices

Activity • You will be given a worksheet “Rating Influences on Food Choices” • I will put on the screen different factors and you will decide how it effects you. Does it majorly effect you, moderately, or little or no effect? • Write the factor under the category it fits under for you.

Why We Eat • Food is not only necessary for life, it is one of life’s greatest pleasures!

Physical Needs Hunger is the physical need to eat. – How long can a person go without food? – Nutritional requirements – Activity level – General health status – Energy level

Psychological Needs • Appetite is the psychological desire to eat. – Emotions or feelings – Body image – Attitudes

Personal Preference • Taste: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami • Smell, color, texture of food • Associations of food with positive or familiar activities.

Social Settings • • • Family mealtimes School lunches Parties Movies Sporting events

Economics • Cost of food (What can I afford to buy? ) • Where you purchase your food (Sam’s Aldi’s Price Cutter) • Which is more economical? Processed or Fresh? • Where is the food coming from? • What foods are in season?

Advertising/Media • Ads that promise: – More energy – Better athletic performance – Improved health – Better self-image Media: TV Food Network Internet

Technology • • • New types of farm machinery Faster food processing Rapid transportation New foods New packaging

Government • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) • Regulates our food for safety.

Society and Culture • • Ethnic Traditions Religious Beliefs Family Traditions Peer Preferences