Making Food Choices

What Influences Food Choices?

Family and Culture- traditional food customs

Friends-social event, eat foods others are eating

Religious Beliefs-guidelines on food and eating

Emotions-eating foods fro comfort or love

Geographical Location- different countries and regions have own food traditions

Advertising- millions of dollars are spent on ads for foods

Lifestyle- amount of time for meals, how important health is to you

Getting the Facts Don’t believe everything you hear about food

How do we evaluate certain statements? An apple a day keeps the doctor away We’re born with a preference for rich, fatty

foods Health food stores have the healthiest foods

Food Myths Myth- untrue statement that people believe Can be widely circulated Facts about statements:

Apples are low-calorie, high fiber snack food. Eating one a day is a good idea, but it won’t prevent illness

Preference for fatty foods is acquired Health food on a label doesn’t mean what is

inside that food is healthy. You can find healthy foods in supermarkets too

Questions to Ask You get information from many sources, but not

all sources are reliable Who wrote or made the statement? What are

their qualifications in regard to nutrition? Why was the statement made? Is balanced

coverage given? Was it meant to advertise or inform?

Are the claims supported by credible or believable sources ( government agencies, health organization)

What do registered dieticians or doctors say?

Health Foods Many “health foods” aren’t anymore or less

nutritious for you than regular foods.

Health foods usually cost more

Before you buy something, read the label

Compare with other products

Is the product worth the extra cost?

Dietary Supplements Most health experts agree that you don’t need

daily vitamin or mineral supplements if you eat a variety of foods each day

Exception: physician recommends a supplement for health condition

Taking mega doses of vitamins and minerals do not cure disease; it is actually dangerous

Too much of a nutrient can be harmful

Food Additives Additives- substances added to food for a specific

purpose

Keep oils from separating in peanut butter and ice creams

Boost nutritional value of popular foods

Increase freshness

They must pass government tests for safety

Irradiated Foods Irradiated foods- gone through a process that destroy

bacteria, mold, and insects by passing them through a field of radiant energy similar to x-rays

Makes foods safer to eat and maintain quality of food

Extends shelf life

Irradiated foods are just as nutritious as foods that aren’t irradiated

Irradiated foods must be labeled on package

Irradiation is controversial- radioactive? (Not usually the case)

Most of the radiant energy used in food passes through the food, just like in microwaves

Organic Foods Food that is produced without manufactured

chemicals

No difference in foods grown with organic or chemical fertilizers

May buy organic foods out of health or environmental concerns

Nutrition for Medical Conditions

Nutrition is important when you are ill

Need rest and proper care

It is best to follow physician advise about what to eat

When you are sick you may not want too or be able too, ask you doctor

Long term illnesses (diabetes) can affect food needs- sugars

Nutrition for Vegetarians Vegetarian- someone who does not eat meat,

poultry, or fish Meals are made up of fruits, veggies, grains, nuts,

and sometimes eggs and dairy products If they eat a selection of food then they are fitting

into the guidelines Meals are rich in fiber and complex carbs Usually low in fat and cholesterol Important to get nutritional counseling before

following a strict vegetarian diet

Nutrition for Athletes Nutritional needs for athletes are the same for

people who exercise for health and enjoyment Athletes need:

Carbs Protein Fat Vitamins Minerals Water

Nutrition for Athletes Competitive athletes may need more of these nutrients

Quench Your Thirst You sweat, so you need to replace your fluid loss Drink fluids before, during, and after activities; even when

you aren’t thirsty Thirst is a sign of dehydration If you work out 60 minutes or less- drink water Longer than 60 minutes- drink diluted fruit juices

Fuel Your Body Carbs are the best source of energy You should plan to get 60 to 65 percent of energy from

carbs Eating complex carbs increases fitness and endurance By using carbs, you should be able to keep up strenuous

activities for a longer time

Activities Healthy Snacks Fast Food Menu Anatomy of a Food Label Label Detective