Factors of Food Choices

There are many factors that influence the daily food choices a person makes, which include physical, psychological, social, and philosophical. Everything from culture to social status can determine the foods that a person may eat in a lifetime. 

It is no secret that people complain about the cost of healthy eating, so cost influences people to buy cheaper foods. "According to the IFIC Foundation survey, 79 percent of consumers say that cost affects their food and beverage choices. This number is up six percent from the survey one year earlier" (Weisenberger, 2013, para. 2). However, educating others on how to buy healthy, yet within budget can make a positive impact on food choices. 

There are plenty of children, teenagers, or adults who have felt the social pressure that drives them to make unhealthy food choices. People feel obligated to say yes to those family dishes, even though the person knows it is not an ideal choice. This also includes cultural pressure to eat traditional foods too. Sometimes friends and family make unnecessary comments when a person does not accept the food that is offered, so people feel intimidated. There is nothing wrong with standing up for healthy choices and others should not ridicule or belittle a person for personal food choices. 

Some people face tremendous challenges and traumas throughout life, which may include divorce, violence, or financial problems. This means a person will often turn to food for emotional comfort. Food can provide somewhat of a relief from the emotional pains, but it is not the answer. Turning to food for emotional support can lead to obesity and food addictions. Finding the right emotional support can help alter the reliance on food for comfort. 

Availability can be a huge impact on how people make food choices. Some people live in areas that do not have access to a lot of fresh foods, so this means buying less nutrient dense foods. Fewer nutrients mean a greater chance of deficiencies and health ailments. Thankfully, certain areas are working towards building stores that provide a variety of healthy choices. It may take additional effort, but people with limited available healthy choices can find ways to change daily food choices. This can be accomplished by finding farmer's markets, or taking weekly trips to places that are further away.

Each of these factors can present a challenge, but the right goals and motivation can shift that influence towards positive, healthy choices.

Weisenberger, J. (2013). What Determines What We Eat. Retrieved from http://www.innerbody.com/nutrition/what-determines-what-we-eat