What makes us eat certain things, not others?

Tradition, genes and cost can affect our food choices

Dear Healthy Professor: What factors influence our food choices?

Answer: What, when and why we choose the foods we eat is a complex issue. In "Understanding Nutrition," (Wadsworth 12th edition), Ellie Whitney, Ph.D and registered dietician Sharon Rady Rolfes discuss the many factors involved in this decision-making process. Here's what they had to say.

Nutrition awareness, weight, body image and health concerns are driving forces behind many of our food choices. However, they are not enough to keep us on the right path all the time. I always say, "Knowledge is not enough;" trust me on this one.

Personal preference is at the top of the list for choosing to eat a particular food. Some people just love spicy foods, whereas others avoid it completely and the tastes you crave may be genetically programmed. High-fat foods tend to be a favorite among the majority of people. Just look around the next time you are in a restaurant and you'll see what I mean.

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Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and those who are questioning their sexual orientation are happy and thrive during their adolescent years. Some LGBT youth face greater difficulties in their lives and school environments compared with their heterosexual peers.

To help promote health and safety among LGBTQ youth, schools can implement the following policies and practices:

Prohibit bullying, harassment, and violence against all students.

Identify "safe spaces," such as counselors' offices, designated classrooms, or student organizations, where LGBTQ youth can receive support .

Ensure that health curricula or educational materials include HIV, other STD, or pregnancy-prevention information that is relevant to LGBTQ youth.

Encourage school district and school staff to develop and publicize trainings on how to create safe and supportive school environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and encourage staff to attend these trainings.

Facilitate access to community-based providers who have experience providing health services, including HIV/STD testing and counseling, to LGBTQ youth.

Facilitate access to community-based providers who have experience in providing social and psychological services to LGBTQ youth.

-- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Habit is another factor that drives us to eat, especially if it's the same thing over and over. A favorite family story is how my father-in-law ate the same ham sandwich every day for most of his adult life. Although some may find it boring, to others, routine is rather comforting.

Ethnic heritage has a strong influence on the foods you like to eat. This is especially true around holidays and special occasions when traditions matter most. Eating is also a social interaction and can be quite enjoyable when shared with others. The only down side is that it can result in us eating more than we normally would if we were eating alone.

Emotions have a strong influence on what and how much we eat. We all know someone who can't swallow a thing when they are upset or depressed and others who can't seem to put the fork down when they are anxious. When we eat for emotional reasons, we often choose "comfort foods." No one will argue that buttered mashed potatoes are more comforting than steamed broccoli.

Food choices are also strongly influenced by our values. For example, religious beliefs may dictate that we abstain from eating certain foods. Likewise, love of animals or concern for the environment may make a person choose a vegetarian lifestyle.

Availability and convenience are paramount with today's on-the-go lifestyle. We tend to choose foods that are quick to prepare and don't require many ingredients. Restaurant meals, fast food, take-out and pre-packaged foods are readily available and a popular choice of busy people.

The cost of food is a reality for all of us. When the price of a food increases above what someone is willing to or able to pay for it, food choices shift. I've overheard a few comments in the produce section of the supermarket as consumers face sticker shock due to the rising costs of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Personal experiences, both positive and negative, make a difference in our food choices. If you were forced to eat certain foods as a child, you may avoid them today. Have you ever vomited after eating a certain food? Sometimes it will take years before you'll even try it again. Of course it depends on the food. I could get sick from eating ice cream and then have it again -- no problem.

Something that's not mentioned in this text is what you are wearing. Tight jeans or loose sweat pants definitely affect how much I choose to eat. Come on ... don't you always wear something stretchy on Thanksgiving?

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