The Driving Force Behind Our Food Choices

So the decision to choose healthy should be an easy one for us to make since we know the damage poor nutrition can do, right? Well, as we know, that is not necessarily the case and for many different reasons. One reason is convenience. Personally, I believe this is one of the main reason that Americans are so unhealthy. It is way too easy for us to go through a fastfood drive-thru or buy the instant meals on the supermarket shelves. It is much easier to throw a "meal" in the microwave or have someone else make a "meal" for us, than to buy and prepare a meal with fresh, nutrient-dense foods. There are also many other factors that control our food choices such as availability of healthy foods, cost, values or beliefs, emotional comfort, habit, social pressure, etc (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).

Another big reason for our food choices is our culture. Ethnic foods may be a huge part of your life but a big problem in your life as well. For example, an italian friend of mine has gained ten pounds since he temporarily moved in with his mother two months ago while his house is being built. His mother cooks pasta and other heavy carbs every evening, not to mention the fact that she cooks enough food for at least five people. Then, he takes the leftovers to work every day for lunch. As much as he loves his heritage and mother's cooking, it is starting to take a toll on him. Not only has he gained the weight, but he starting to get very lethargic as well. He used to go to the gym five days a week, now he says he is lucky if he gets there two days a week. However, if he complains to his very italian mother, she will probably be affended. Thus, the challenges of the good, but less healthy son.

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Reference:

 

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013).  Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.).  Mason, OH: Cengage Learning