Many religious adopt specific dietary practices e.g abstinence, fasting, food restriction or rules on food preparation which will influence an individual's food choice, below are some examples, and the dietary practices they follow.
Islam
Only consume Halal meat (has been slaughtered in a prescribed way according to Muslim religious practices).They do not consume pork and during the religious festival of Ramadan, they fast between sunrise and sunset.
Hindu
Generally follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. A vegetarian is an individual who (for ethical, moral or other personal reasons) chooses not to eat meat, fish, poultry or animal products. Vegetarians do eat eggs and diary products. A vegan follow a vegetarian diet and in addition does not eat dairy products and eggs.
Buddhist
Generally follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
When offering dietary advice about healthy eating, these factors would have to be considered. It would involve looking at the " eatwell plate" and discussing what foods can be incorporated following healthy eating guidelines. Although fasting is not generally recommended for a prolonged period of time, If the religion dictates this, we can still offer advice on healthy eating during the times the fast can be broken.
SOCIAL CHANGES ON EATING HABITS
In our ever changing and developing society, dietary practices have changed due to many influences. These changes have not all been for the best in terms of the affect they have on our health.
Family
There are a higher percentage of families where both parents are working. This has an impact on the type of food consumed and patterns of food consumption within the family. More families are now resorting to convenience foods, which can be high in fat and refined sugars and of low nutrient density, as time for food preparation is limited.
Families are spending less time eating together. Members of the same family will " grab something qhick" and eat in front of the television. As a results, parents have less control over the quantity and quality of food their children are eating and the food tends to be of low nutritive value.
A television or computer provides a distraction when eating, therefore it is easier to over consume food as you are not thinking about what you are eating.
FOOD AVAILABILITY
If you walk down any high street you will notice a high proportion of fast food outlets. This presents individuals with a quick, tasty, although not necessarily nutritious, potion. When faced with such an abundance of choice, it is very tempting to go for the quick and easy option. School kids will opt for this as they walk home from school or at lunchtime. It can also be very tempting for people who have jut finished work and don't have the time or the inclination to cook a meal from scratch.
Supermarkets continually offer deals to encourage us to purchase the " large" size of a product. It may look like value for money but in really do we need it? or are we just going to consume more food than we actually need? As our society and many other societies around the world battle with the "obesity epidemic" it is clear that changing dietary practices have a major impact.
Please try to take time out for some healthy eating and quality time with the family : )
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