Factors That Drive Food Choices

Conscious

factors:

Availability
Advertising
Economics
Flavor/personal preference
Nutrition
Habits
Improve athletic/cognitive performance
Weight control

Subconscious factors:

Positive Associations
Negative Associations
Values/Beliefs
Childhood habits

Difficult to change dietary habits food

choices have been learned both
consciously
and subconsciously

Challenge of Choosing
foods

Too many choices

Have gotten away from basic foods-unprocessed,
whole, fresh foods.
Year: 1900about 500 food choices
Year: 2009about 50,000 food choices

Food Terms

Enriched or Fortified
Nutrients have been added

Natural
No legal definition

Nutraceutical
No legal definition, but often used on supplements

How to evaluate Nutrition

Claims
RD, Registered Dietitian is expert on
nutrition
Other credible sources

Government agencies
Volunteer health agencies
Reputable consumer and professional groups
Medical Journals

Avoid:
Testimonials
Infomercials