The challengers in bringing about dietary change Flashcards
Personal preference
taste preferences can be different from person to person and are often established over long periods of time, making change difficult for some people.
Foods high in fat, salt and sugar are known as flavor enhancers as they stimulate the taste buds and the brain’s reward system, by releasing dopamine (feel good chemical)
Willpower
related to self-control
When food considered to be unhealthy are offered such as at parties and otter social gatherings, work functions, restaurants, school canteens and food stalls. Choosing healthy foods in these situations can be challenging
‘the ability to resist short-term temptations in order to meet long-term goals’.
Food security
exists ‘when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life’
Those living outside of Australia’s major cities also experience higher rates of food insecurity. The availability of quality fresh fruit and vegetables and better food choices decrease in remote communities while the cost increases making it difficult to change their dietary behaviours due to decreased access to a range of foods.
Time constraints
meals are often planned with consideration of the time available and the convenience of the foods to be consumed.
For many families where both parents are employed, more time is spent working and less time is spent preparing food. As a result, convenience foods are often consumed in the home because there is a lack of time to purchase fresh ingredients and prepare a meal from scratch.
Attitudes and beliefs
if an individual has not tried a variety of healthier food options, they may believe they are bland or tasteless.
Many feel the negative effects of consuming unhealthy food will not happen to them, this can reduce the likelihood of these individuals trying new, healthier foods.
Education, nutrition knowledge and cooking skills
Lower levels of education, nutritional knowledge and cooking skills can mean that even people who want to change their dietary choices may lack the resources to do so.
lack of nutritional knowledge and cooking skills often predispose people to consume unhealthy meals
