Factors that drive our food choices.

There are numerous factors that drive our food choices, good and bad. One factor is advertising, and not just commercials. Driving down the highway you will see billboards with pictures of giant hamburgers and french fries. Not to mention, cable channels devoted to food, such as Food Network. If you were not hungry before watching an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, you sure will be afterwards.

 

Cost is another major factor that drives our food choices. Many times, the cheaper foods are the processed foods packed with calories and fat. Healthy fruits and vegetables can be costly. This is a major driver to the increased obesity rate in homes with a low socioeconomic status. Low socioeconomic households consume fewer fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk , and lean meats than households in a higher socioeconomic status. Children between the ages of 15 and 17 in low-income households are overweight at a rate 50% higher than children of the same age group in higher income households are (Larson & Story, 2009).  Social pressure is also a major factor in our food choices. Your place of employment can surround you by unhealthy foods in their vending machines, potlucks, or by serving lunch for meetings. In many of these cases, healthy foods are not always provided.

There are factors that drive positive food choices as well. Your current body weight may also drive your food choices. Some people eat foods that they know will help them either reduce or maintain their body weight. If someone is trying to lose weight, they will be more likely to choose lean foods that are high in protein and low in saturated fats, such as salmon, chicken, or egg whites.   In addition, the nutritional and health benefits of some foods may also cause people to choose to eat certain foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, such as avocados and spinach can be very nutrient dense.

Larson, Nicole, PhD,M.P.H., R.D., & Story, Mary,PhD., R.D. (2009). A review of environmental influences on food choices. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 38, 56-73. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9120-9