Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Hw# 5

A topic out there on food that seems to be frequently discussed thanks to mass-media is healthy eating vs. unhealthy eating. It seems that the "healthy" side wants the "unhealthy" to change the way they approach food in order to become healthy eaters.It seems that they want people to reform their eating habits so that they can look and feel better about themselves and avoid future health problems. Opposed to the "unhealthy" eaters who exhibit unhealthy eating habits who tend to be overweight. The healthy side are the ones telling you what foods to eat and which ones to avoid because they are "dangerous"(http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm).

To solve the problem of unhealthy eating they believe in "smart eating habits". They also provide you with tips that will guide you to a better lifestyle. Most of this stuff is coming from dietitians and nutritionists who advocate healthy eating and balanced diets but don't seem to consider how the other side might feel about the certain foods they "should eat" and how difficult it might be to change one's eating habits. This makes one think that eating healthy and food is like "medicine" in a way. It has benefits because food will make you feel better and look better ,if you only eat the "right" foods and avoid the junk and leave your unhealthy eating habits and health problems behind.(http://www.healthyeating.net/he_1.htm)

While the "unhealthy" eaters are saying it's not that easy to change one's eating habits because of the many influences around them. If your family are a bunch of unhealthy eaters it becomes hard for one to change their diet because of the influence of others and the food they eat which has an affect on what you choose to eat. They argue that some people can't fight the temptations of their cravings because some "foods are just addictions", foods taste too good to stop eating them. They feel that eating healthy can also be time consuming because of one's hectic daily schedule. So they eat for convenience.(http://www.livestrong.com/article/74545-eating-hard/)Many of the people on this side are everyday people, families, children and people who struggle with their weight and find it difficult to change to a healthier lifestyle.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

HW#4

Food brings my family together .We all get involved in the preparation of the meal.
On most nights once dinner time rolls around no matter what we're doing everyone gathers around the table or the TV to enjoy a meal together. It was the same for my parents growing up, who always sat and ate around the table with their parents. When it comes to food in my family one rule goes: No wasting, because there are others starving. So we are always encouraged to eat all our food and be grateful for the meals we get to eat because there are others less fortunate. That was also the rule in my parents homes growing up.

I think that family has an effect on one's eating habits. My family are healthy eaters for the most part , with my mother incorporating vegetables in almost every meal. My siblings and I have always grow up liking and eating all of our vegetables. It was never a problem for my mom to try and force us to eat them since she's always made them. We're also a bunch of curious eaters who aren't afraid to try something new because my mom makes many dishes that are influenced by other cultures cuisine. I also prefer a home cooked meal over one that's bought because it's usually healthier and my mom likes to cook.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Hw#3 -Fast Food

Fast food stays true to its name its food that you can order and be eating in minutes. There are so many different franchise fast food places to choose from the possibilities are endless from McDonald’s to Burger King there are so many fast food restaurants located around the city. Why is this? Why is fast food so popular? What makes eating at these places so irresistible? And why aren’t people exposed to much healthier food options? Whether you’re eating your meal at one of these fast food spots or taking it to go (drive thru) you always end up coming back for more.

Fast food restaurants are convenient for many. They are easy to access, with so many different locations. They feed the masses. They also provide people with a filling meal that they can enjoy in minutes without having to cook it for themselves. Fast food is easy while eating healthier is hard. It’s so much easier for many to enjoy a burger, fries and a milkshake that has already been made than it is to cook a homemade meal.

One of the things I noticed was that there were a lot of younger customers at McDonalds than there were at the Greenmarket where there were a lot of older people. I think that older people tend to be more health conscious than the younger people. They care more about what they eat and how it’s going to affect them in the long run. I think the Greenmarket attracts more of the health conscious that are willing to shell out more money in order to be “healthy”.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Hw- Food-Initial Thoughts

Food is a fundamental part of our survival. For me ,food is sacred because there are many that go without. I appreciate the meals I get to eat because food is a necessity for one's survival. Getting the right nutrition from the foods I eat in order for my body to function properly is important to me.

When I think of food I think about all the different foods out there that I haven't tried yet but am dying to. Food has a lot to do with culture ,the way it is prepared and how it just brings people together. People tend to bond over meals.

When it comes to food it has to taste "good". If I'll eat it or not all depends on the taste. Peoples perception of what tastes "good" might be different from mine, but I usually like spicy foods. What I eat will also depend on what I'm craving. My meal choices all depend on what I crave no matter what the time. For example, If I'm craving pizza in the morning then I'll probably eat it for breakfast.

For me many of my daily food choices are easy to just grab and go. Like fruits,yogurt,sandwiches ,etc. It has to be easy to eat since I don't always have the time to sit down and properly enjoy the meal. So my meal choices tend to be foods that can be eaten while walking or driving, that aren't very messy and don't require a knife and fork.