Chapter 14Eating Patterns

Influences on Food Choices

• Resources • Family Food Customs • Friends• The Media• Personal Influences

– Daily routine– Values – Emotions

Eating Patterns

A mix of food customs and habits that include when, what and how much

people eat.

Influences On Family Eating Patterns

• History – the Industrial Revolution, the Depression, War, the 1950s (homemakers), the 1970s (mom’s entering the work force)

• Stages of Family Life– Young children– Teenagers– Empty Nest

Daily Meal Patterns

• Breakfast – “breaking the fast”

• Midday & Evening Meals – in the US, lunch is typically lighter and dinner is the largest meal of the day.

Grazing…

• An eating pattern that is gaining popularity

• Eating five or more small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones

• Can be convenient and healthful

Choices for Eating Out…

• Full Service Restaurants – Ex: Olive Garden

• Self Serve Restaurants– Ex: Chinese Buffet

• Fast Food Restaurants– Ex: Taco Bell

TAKE OUT

As the pace of living increases, so do take out food options…

Delivery (Chinese/Pizza)Full Service Restaurant Take Out

Ex: Car-Side To Go

Eating Out Healthfully…• Portions are often large – ask for a

container for leftovers

• Build your meal around several appetizers or side dishes instead of one large main dish or entrée.

Healthful tips (con’t)

• Look for descriptions like broiled, poached, steamed or roasted.

• Avoid items described as batter dipped, fried, creamy, or au gratin.

• Choose salads with care – creamy dressings are high in fat.

• Choose pasta dishes served with red sauce rather than creamy sauces.

A Few More Tips…