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