Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 2:Factors influencing food intake and food habits

Hedonic factors – food choice

Palatability of food is a composite of Taste Smell Texture Temperature

It is further conditioned by surroundings in which food is consumed.

Age and sex influence food choices. Some foods are categorized as being suitable for a given age group, or more suitable for one sex than the other. Peanut butter, jelly, milk, and chocolates are looked upon as foods for children but coffee and fast foods are appropriate for adults and teenagers. Women prefer light foods such as salads, fruits and vegetables whereas filling meals such as meat, potatoes etc are more usual choice of men.