There are several factors that contribute to our food choices, eating habits, and why we eat the way we do. These factors start at a young age and continue to develop throughout our lives. We have complete control over some of these factors, but others not so much. Being aware of these factors can help us change our eating habits.

These factors include:

Environmental:

  • Economic
  • Lifestyle
  • Availability 
  • Cultural Influences
  • Religion
  • Geographic Location
  • Environment 

Personal Preference:

  • Habit
  • Comfort/Discomfort of Food
  • Food Marketing/Advertising/Promotion
  • Food Diet and Trends
  • Sensory Influences (Taste, Smell, Texture)
  • Individual beliefs about Food and Nutrition

Health:

  • Health and Medical Conditions
  • Physical Fitness and Independence
  • Knowledge of Health and Nutrition
  • Genetics
  • Age and Gender

It is very interesting to see how these factors can play a role in why we choose what to eat. Let’s discuss these further and explore how becoming more aware of them can help us make better choices.

Environmental factors depend on where we live, how we live, and who we live with; furthermore, what is available to us, where we shop, what we can afford, what gets brought into our home, and what religious/cultural influences we were brought up with are all part of this category.

In order to make changes, you need to be aware of your budget, religious, cultural, and family limitations. Before you go shopping, figure out exactly how much you can spend, along with other possible limitations. This allows you to properly plan what food you need to buy. Think about your environment and what is available to you and fit those options within your lifestyle.

Our personal preferences play a huge role in our food choices. This is where we can make the most changes.

These choices are greatly related to our likes and dislikes. Usually, we think about food in terms of what we like to eat; not what we need to eat. Let’s change gears and try to find a whole new way of thinking.

What do I need to eat? Rather than, what do I like to eat? Forget about diets, food trends, and what the advertisers are trying to sell you. Get back to the basics, and make a list of the foods you will eat in categories of fruits, vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, dairy, and whole grains. Create a shopping list from those categories, and buy strictly what is on that list. Keep your choices as basic as possible and as minimally processed as you can: choose more fresh and raw options that are less packaged and pre-made. Plan your meals and snacks according to these purchases.

Finally, our health is another factor. Our medical condition, physical fitness levels, knowledge/education of nutrition, genetics, age, and gender will certainly play a role in our food choices. You may need to avoid or take in an excess of certain foods because of these factors.  

Knowledge and education is one of the biggest factors to help you make better choices. This is the area you have the most control over. Finding ways to incorporate healthy foods to aid in health-related issues is so important in our general health. Educate yourself on what you may need to consume or avoid for each one of these factors. Research based on your goals, and create a list of foods that will help you achieve them.

Simply being aware that there are many factors contributing to the food choices you make can be extremely helpful. Review each of these categories, and observe how they influence you. Based on these factors, what changes can you make to lead a more constructive, positive, and healthy plan?

No matter what factors influence your food choices, it is ultimately up to you to make a choice, a purchase, or a decision about what you bring into your home and put into your body.

References: Nutrition – Fifth Addition