8.3

Influences on Food Choices

• Food preferences are influenced by genetics, experience, emotions, and culture.
• Research has shown that genes may influence people's preferences for certain foods.
• Experience, such as comfort foods, also play a role in shaping food preferences.
• Emotions, like stress or boredom, can lead to emotional eating and unhealthy food choices.
• Cultural factors, including cultural norms and traditions, influence food preferences.

Analyzing Influences on Food Choices

• A study of college students found that 62% of female students and 29% of male students reported eating more when feeling depressed.
• Emotions can influence food choices, even when we're not aware of it.
• Advertisements, including those featuring music stars, can affect our food choices.

Understanding Nutrition Facts

• Nutrition Facts labels provide information to help us make informed food choices.
• The label includes the number of calories per serving, serving size, and daily value percentages.
• Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, and percentages are calculated accordingly.
• Ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the most prominent ingredients at the top.

Ingredients and Food Additives

• Ingredients are listed in order of weight on food labels.
• Added sugars can be hidden in ingredients like cane syrup, molasses, and fruit juice concentrate.
• Food additives, like GRAS (generally recognized as safe), are regulated by the government.
• Food additives are used to extend shelf life, improve flavor, and enhance appearance.

Assessing Claims on Food Labels

• "Low-fat" foods must contain less than 3 grams of total fat per serving.
• "Lean" meat must contain at least 90% lean meat.
• "Heart Healthy" foods must contain at least 10% of the Daily Value for fiber and no more than 480 milligrams of sodium per serving.
• Organic foods are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and are certified by the USDA.
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) use biotechnology to introduce specific traits into crops.

Preparing Nutritious Foods

• Preparing our own food allows us to control ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods.
• Making food at home is usually cheaper and healthier than eating out.
• Preparing food in advance can save time and promote healthy eating.

Practicing Food Safety

• Foodborne illnesses, or food poisoning, can be prevented by handling and preparing food safely.
• Foodborne infections are caused by disease-causing microorganisms.
• Food safety strategies include washing fruits and vegetables, avoiding cross-contamination, and cooking food at the appropriate temperature.

Following a Recipe

• Recipes provide step-by-step instructions for preparing a dish.
• Recipes include ingredient measurements, cooking times, and serving sizes.
• Following a recipe helps develop cooking skills and promotes healthy eating.

Enhancing Behaviors

• Choose healthy meals and snacks and make them at home.
• Consider using low-fat dairy products, granola, or other healthy ingredients.
• Measure ingredients accurately and cook at the appropriate temperature.
• Record video of yourself following a recipe and share with others.