What Are Four Things That Can Affect Food Choices?

Upon consumption, the foods you choose to eat can directly affect your body in a positive or negative fashion. It's not always easy to decide which foods to eat. You may have a certain craving, but medical conditions, pregnancy, your weight and other factors can keep you from satisfying your urge.

Diets

• If you are trying to lose weight, your food choices are determined by the diet you are on. You may prefer low-calorie, low-fat foods over sugary, fattening fare to lose weight. If you are on a diet like Atkins or South Beach, you may reach for protein instead of carbohydrates. Some diets, such as the Cabbage Soup Diet, require that you consume cabbage soup throughout the entire day combined with a few other low-calorie items.

Illness

• Eating the wrong kinds of foods can result in an adverse reaction if you suffer from illnesses such as diabetes or high cholesterol. If you are diabetic, limit your consumption of high-glycemic foods, such as pasta, white rice, baked goods and sweets, because these can spike your insulin levels. Focus on consuming non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein sources such as fish and chicken. If you have high cholesterol, steer clear of fatty additives such as margarine and butter. Oatmeal and other low-cholestrol foods should be your focus.

Pregnancy

• When you're pregnant, you may eat healthier because you are eating for two. You provide your baby with the nutrients he needs to grow and develop. Reach for an extra helping of vegetables instead of greasy French fries. Cravings you may experience during pregnancy often decide against your healthy behavior and have you eating everything from sweets and cakes to cookies and pastries.

Cravings

• Cravings help determine the foods you decide to eat. Lack of nutritious food stimulates hormone fluctuations in your body. Your serotonin levels and blood sugar may get low, and you may start feeling down and depressed. This is when cravings are triggered. Cravings can range from urges for sweets and salty foods to alcohol and carbohydrates. Once you satisfy your craving, you feel better for a short period of time, until your body signals your brain that it needs another pick-me-up.