How Do People Decide What Foods to Eat?
Updated January 19, 2015.
The main reason we choose the foods we eat is because we're hungry and we want to fill our stomachs. But, there's more to it than that or we wouldn't have so many different varieties of foods and flavors to choose from. So, in no particular order are the reasons we eat what we eat:
It's tasty. We love foods that taste good and have the right texture. Think of a big piece of chocolate cake with thick fudge frosting that melts in your mouth.
Or a juicy steak, or roast corn on the cob... whatever it is that you love. If you hate the flavor or texture of something, you're probably not going to eat it.
It's available. When you get the munchies in the middle of the night, you're probably going to grab something from your fridge or kitchen cabinets. Maybe it isn't the most delicious thing, but it's right there. You can eat it and go back to sleep. On a larger scale, we tend to eat the foods that are easy to find in our local grocery stores and restaurants. Cost is an important factor too. Your budget might limit your choice a little bit or a lot.
It's socially acceptable. Have you ever sat down at a pizza restaurant with your friends thinking how you should order just a salad, but you were afraid they'd all think you were weird? How people in our social circles see us has an impact on the foods we choose. It can work the opposite way too if you make healthy choices because your mom is watching you.
Emotional reasons. Most people have specific comfort foods they reach for when they're feeling sad or lonely.
Maybe those foods remind you of home or a special memory so they make you feel better. It's like a hug on a plate. But the connection between food and mood can be negative -- like punishing a child by sending him to bed without dinner, or having such strong emotions that you lose your appetite altogether.
Cultural choices. Do you favor foods that are connected to your family's origin or culture? In the United States, we love our hamburgers and hot dogs, and there are specific foods attached to many holidays. People in other countries prefer different national foods, and religions can impact your food choices, as well.
Health issues. Your current state of health can be a concern. People with conditions like celiac disease, food allergies, phenylkentonuria and lactose intolerance must avoid certain foods or they'll get sick. People who follow diets to prevent or help treat diabetes and heart disease, or to lose weight, also make food choices based on their health.
Sources:
Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism." Fourth Edition. Belmont, CA. Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2005.
Smolin LA, Grosvenor, MB. "Nutrition: Science and Applications." Third Edition. Wiley Publishing Company, 2013.
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