Assignment no 01

Group Members
Saima Karim 40719
Samia Tariq 42783
Kehinde Khadijat 40943
Hamna Talha 50225

Topic: Identification of internal and external factors that affect our

healthy food choices

Internal factors

Personal Preferences: People's individual preferences for the flavor, texture, and
taste of food can have a big influence on the foods they choose to eat.

Hunger and Appetite: The amount of hunger and appetite a person experiences
might affect their dietary preferences. For instance, someone who is not as hungry
would prefer lighter meals whereas someone who is particularly hungry might choose
items that are heavy in calories.

Health and Nutritional Needs: An individual's eating preferences are significantly

influenced by their health and nutritional requirements. For example, a person with high
blood pressure may decide to avoid meals high in sodium, whereas a person with
anemia may decide to consume more foods high in iron.
Culture and Tradition: The cultural customs and background of a person might also
influence their eating preferences. People from particular cultures, for instance, could
prefer spicy or hot meals, while others might prefer mellow flavors. (saima karim also
done formatting)

Knowledge and Awareness: The degree to which a person is aware of the health
advantages of particular meals might affect their eating preferences. According to
research, people who are knowledgeable about healthy eating are more likely to choose
foods that are better for them.

Attitudes and Believes: Choices for healthy foods can also be influenced by
attitudes and ideas about food. For instance, those who are supportive of healthy eating
may be more inclined to pick for such alternatives.

Genetics: Food preferences may also be influenced by genetic factors. According to

studies, a person's taste preferences and food cravings may be influenced by heredity,
which may affect the foods they choose to eat.

Emotional and Psychological Factors: Food preferences can also be influenced

by emotional and psychological issues including stress, anxiety, and sadness. For
instance, those who are anxious may make bad comfort food choices more frequently.

Age and Gender: Food preferences can also be influenced by age and gender.
According to research, people's eating choices might alter as they age. Also, research
has revealed that the eating tastes and choices of men and women differ. (samia tariq)

Personal Habits: The frequency of meals and other personal behaviors, such as
snacking, can also influence food choices. For instance, those who often eat may be
more inclined to select harmful snack options.

External factors

Availability and Accessibility: Food accessibility and availability may have a big
influence on a person's eating habits. For instance, a person may be more prone to
consume processed and packaged meals if they live in a food desert with little access to
fresh vegetables.
Social and Economic Factors: Economic and social variables might also affect the
foods we choose to eat. For instance, a person's capacity to buy fresh and healthful
meals may be determined by their financial level, but social pressure and peer pressure
may also have an impact on their dietary preferences.

Advertising and Marketing: A person's eating preferences may also be influenced

by marketing and advertising. For instance, advertising harmful foods might raise
consumer demand by making them more enticing.

Environmental Factors: Food preferences may also be influenced by environmental

considerations including climate change and sustainability issues. For instance, people
could decide to eat more plant-based meals in order to lessen their carbon impact and
support sustainability. (kehinde khadijat)

Social and Culture Factors: Food preferences may be influenced by social and
cultural variables including cultural traditions and social standards. For instance, people
from particular cultures could like particular foods that are heavy in sugar and fat.

Government policies and Regulations: Food preferences may be impacted by

laws and restrictions. Policies that impose nutrition labeling on packaged goods or
encourage healthy eating in schools, for instance, might encourage consumers to make
better food choices.

Time Constraints: Food choices may be influenced by time restrictions. Those with
hectic schedules, for instance, could be more inclined to select convenience foods,
which are frequently less healthier than home-cooked meals.

Peer Pressure: Food decisions may be influenced by peer pressure. For instance,
people may be more prone to consume unhealthy meals themselves if they are among
friends or relatives who do.

Food Cost: The cost of healthful foods might affect dietary choices. For instance,
those with low incomes could be forced to select less wholesome, less affordable food
alternatives. (hamna talha )

References

● Black, J. L., et al. (2017). Availability and price of healthy food in convenience
stores: A systematic review. Journal of Community Health, 42(5), 1007-1017.
● Chen, S., et al. (2018). Associations between snacking and weight loss
outcomes in overweight and obese adults: A systematic review and meta-
analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
108(6), 1209-1221.
● Corella, D., et al. (2018). Influence of the Mediterranean diet on blood pressure.
Nutrients, 10(10), 1522.
● Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2018). Factors That Influence Food
Choices. Retrieved from https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/eating-as-a-
family/factors-that-influence-food-choices
● World Health Organization. (2018). Promoting a healthy diet. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/promoting-a-
healthy-diet.