Things That Influence How a Person Eats

Food. What you eat, when you eat and how you eat it are often not only determined by hunger and taste, but also by external factors which affect your decision. Your choice of diet can be influenced by many factors, from the experience of culture around you to the environment in which you are eating your food. Whether you are aware of them or not, these influencing factors can have a large impact on your health, as well as your diet.

Environmental Factors

• Socializing while eating can influence food choices and portion sizes.

  Environmental factors can influence how a person eats food, including how much he eats. If a person feels comfortable in his environment, it is more likely that he will eat more than if he felt uneasy and awkward. Socializing, depending on whether it is with familiar friends or unfamiliar people, can affect portion sizes and when a person chooses to eat. Having lots of food readily available means there is less effort required in order to eat, which increases the chances of consuming more. Distractions, such as a television show, movie or book, can also influence when you start and stop eating and how much food you eat, and can encourage mindless overeating.

Personal Attitude

• A person's attitude towards food can affect the way she eats. Emotional influences and a person's individual relationship with food can affect portion sizes and types of food. It may be used to control a situation, reduce stress or satisfy an emotional or psychological need. Overeating or avoiding food can often become a habitual part of a person's life, and can hinder a person from listening to internal factors, such as real hunger and fullness, which can impact on health.

Cultural Influences

• Culture and etiquette can have an influence on the food that a person eats. The culture that a person is exposed to usually presents guidelines which consider acceptable foods, eating behaviors, eating patterns and food combinations. A person may learn eating etiquette and how to eat from these guiding principles, in order to feel a sense of belonging.

Religion

• Religion can affect a person's diet and how she eats. Someone who follows religion may be influenced to change her food choices and behavior towards certain food. Some religions restrict or disallow certain foods, while other religions are fairly relaxed. Pork, for example, is prohibited for people of the Jewish and Muslim faith. Alcohol, while restricted by some Christians, is generally allowed for those of the Catholic faith.