Last week in my Public Health Nutrition class we discussed how our environment can influence behavior change and eating habits. We all know that many factors contribute to our food choice. What are the biggest factors when it comes to dinner time?
For me, it is availability. I’m going to eat whatever I have in my fridge or cupboards. I don’t usually want to go out of my way to find something to eat. Another factor that I have found influences me is my peers. If my friends tell me they’re going to Chipotle, I want to go along. Plus, who can pass up a burrito?
In my years of studying nutrition we’ve also discussed family ties to meal time. If you grew up sitting around the table with your family, eating a big meal, it is likely that you will want to carry on the tradition of cooking yourself a hot meal.
There are times when I am so hungry that I don’t care what I eat, as long as I can digest it I’ll eat it. Another factor that has played into my diet, which might be the same for you, is trying new foods.
Moral of the story, don’t let outside factors influence what you want to eat. Eat what you want!
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