External factors that influence our eating habits

Advertising – Advertising affects our nutritional choices. The messages we hear influence our choices, and in both negative and positive ways. Some of the advertisements bring some knowledge about the importance of some nutritional elements, such as vitamins
and minerals. They can also give us inaccurate information. These visual messages are very powerful, as they appeal to our subconscious.

Restaurants and eating out – In social situations when eating as a group, more often than not we forget about the quality of the food we are eating, especially if we are drinking as well. We consume more high-fat foods, such as fried zucchini and high-sugar foods such as cake and ice cream. Worst of all are the “super sized” meals from fast food restaurants.

Education–The more educated people are, the more knowledgeable they are about nutrition, and the more attention they pay to their diet.
Income/Occupation – People in higher-ranked position pay more attention to their eating and can also afford to eat in better places with better food. However, these people are more socially involved and therefore as a group they drink alcohol more often and in larger amounts. Their fast-paced jobs don’t allow them time to cook each meal, so they tend to dine out more often, dine alone, and eat on the run.
The next blog more on external and internal factors...