NUTR 121 Week 1 Assignment: Food Habits and Cultural Influences

Introduction to NUTR-121 Nutrition_Cultural Discussion

Welcome to the discussion on food habits and cultural influences. This Owlisdom How-To guide of NUTR-121 Week 1 Assignment: Food Habits and Cultural Influences will help you navigate the assignment’s stages, offering clear steps and thoughtful insights to complete your tasks effectively.

Think about your current food habits as well as likes and dislikes. How has the US dietary culture affected your food habits? Then, pick a cultural diet that reflects your likes and dislikes. If you were to move to this country, could you adapt to the food habits? Why or why not?

Stage 1: Discussion Post (Due Wednesday, Week 1)

Step 1: Reflect on Your Current Food Habits

• Think about what you regularly eat.
• Identify your likes and dislikes in your diet.

Step 2: Choose a Cultural Diet

• Pick a cultural diet that matches your food preferences.

Example

My current food habits are a blend of convenience and health-conscious choices, primarily influenced by the diverse dietary culture of the United States. The availability of fast food has made quick meals a part of my routine, but I also incorporate fresh produce and whole grains to maintain a balanced diet. My likes include grilled vegetables, lean meats, and exotic fruits, while I tend to avoid overly processed foods and sugary drinks. The US dietary culture, with its emphasis on convenience and variety, has significantly shaped these preferences.

Reflecting on a cultural diet that aligns with my likes and dislikes, I find the Mediterranean diet particularly appealing. This diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as olive oil (Sikalidis et al., 2021). It also promotes moderation and balance, which resonates with my approach to eating. If I were to move to a Mediterranean country, I believe I could easily adapt to these food habits. The diet’s focus on fresh, whole foods matches my preference for unprocessed, nutritious meals, and the communal eating practices appeal to my social nature. The primary challenge might be adjusting to the different meal times and portion sizes, but the overall dietary principles are compatible with my existing habits. 

Moreover, the Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on physical activity and communal meals aligns well with my lifestyle. The social aspect of dining in Mediterranean cultures, where meals are often shared with family and friends, is particularly appealing and could enhance my overall eating experience (Scicluna, 2020). Additionally, the inclusion of a variety of fresh herbs and spices in Mediterranean cuisine offers a flavorful and nutritious alternative to the more processed seasonings common in the US.

In conclusion, the US dietary culture has molded my food preferences towards a mix of convenience and health. Adapting to the Mediterranean diet would be relatively seamless due to its alignment with my current likes and dislikes, making the transition more about adjusting to new eating schedules and customs rather than fundamentally changing my dietary habits.

Please respond to two peers. Please respond only to peers who have 0 or 1 prior response so that everyone gets to participate equally. In your responses to peers, please give your opinion about the topic, but also ask at least one insightful question that will require your peer to respond beyond a yes/no answer.

Stage 2: Replies (Due Friday, Week 1)

Step 1: Select Peers to Respond To

• Choose peers with 0 or 1 prior responses to ensure equal participation.

Step 2: Craft Your Replies

• Provide your opinion on their post.
• Ask at least one insightful question that requires more than a yes/no answer.

By following these steps of NUTR-121 Week 1 Assignment: Food Habits and Cultural Influences, you will be able to create a well-rounded discussion post and engaging replies that reflect critical thinking and cultural awareness.

Reply 1

I appreciate your insights on adapting to the Japanese diet. The emphasis on fresh seafood and vegetables is intriguing. Do you think the portion sizes in Japanese meals, which tend to be smaller compared to typical American portions, would be a significant adjustment for you? How might this impact your overall satiety and energy levels throughout the day? Additionally, how do you feel about the traditional Japanese practice of eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day? This could be quite different from the typical three meals a day in the US, and it might require a shift in how you manage your daily nutrition and hunger.

Reply 2

Your thoughts on the Indian diet’s rich use of spices are fascinating. Indian cuisine’s emphasis on vegetarian options could positively influence your protein intake through plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas. Incorporating these legumes regularly could provide a healthy balance of essential nutrients. The vibrant flavors and potential health benefits of spices like turmeric and cumin could also enhance your diet. While adjusting to the level of spiciness might initially be challenging, the numerous health advantages, such as anti-inflammatory properties and improved digestion, make it worthwhile. Overall, the Indian diet offers a nutritious and flavorful way to diversify your meals and improve your overall well-being.

Closing

This How-To Guide of NUTR-121 Week 1 Assignment: Food Habits and Cultural Influences hones your skills and prepares you for future academic endeavors. In the next module of NUTR-121, we will explore the Week 3.1 Assignment on the My Fitness Pal Project.

References

Scicluna, C. (2020). The Meal Experience in Casual Dining Restaurants. 114.

Sikalidis, A. K., Kelleher, A. H., & Kristo, A. S. (2021). Mediterranean Diet. Encyclopedia, 1(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia1020031