Factors of food choices

Who ever knew so much went into choosing foods???

There are many different factors that go into the choices we make when we choose foods.  The obvious personal factors of what we like and dislike but one's finances must also be considered when making these choices.          

(Beardstown McDonalds, 2012)

                       

(Daily, 2010).

 Social gatherings such as birthdays has an effect on food choices along with celebrating

(Wee, 2013)

 heritages.  On Cinco de Mayo and Saint Patrick's day; to name a few, brings people of all cultures together to share the day eating foods and drinks from these heritages.  Holidays too have an impact on the food chose to be eaten.  Thanksgiving for instance, brings a turkey to most tables along with sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.

Philosophical factors like religion can have powerful choices on food consumption,  "Judaism requires keeping kosher and Islam requires halal, Hinduism and Buddhism promote vegetarianism, the ancient Greeks and medieval Christians frowned on gluttony" (MacNair, 2006).   Some may choose to become a vegetarian and not eat meat or become vegan and not eat any foods that come from animals.

Physical factors also result in food choices; a person's weight could determine what they will eat.  If they are trying to lose weight, they may choose to eat foods lower in fat and calories.  Cravings can also determine food choices and simply hunger alone can lead to certain choices.  I know if I make the mistake of waiting too long resulting in feeling starved I will grab foods that aren't necessarily good for me.

Emotional eating is a psychological factor; this type of eating can lead to eating too many high calorie foods.  Many will associate certain foods with positive and negative events from their past.  This is where the good old comfort foods come in; macaroni and cheese, ice cream, and cookies just to name a few.  Another psychological factor that can play on food choices is eating disorders.  Some chose very little to eat while others may binge on certain foods.

Lastly, environmental factors can lead to foods being chose for one reason or another.  Depending on the region of the country it can result in some fruits and vegetables not being available year round.  This can also happen to some living in the inner city not being able to get to a farmer's market.  Weather can also effect crops with flooding or droughts; this will effect the food supply, limiting choices.

(Beamer, N.D.)