Food is an integral part of
our society and necessary for survival.
Food is also a
source of pleasure. It is an excess of food, or
too much of the wrong kinds of foods, that lead to
heath problems, obesity, and, in a worst case,
poisoning. Thus a delicate balance must be integrated
into our eating habits.
Eating habits contribute to
define a society, a family, and a personality.
Cultural tastes, personal preference, and financial
status are all influences. For example, the French are
known for their rich cheeses and wines, while the
Germans are know for eating large quantities of pork.
Americans have developed a society where “fast
foods”, that are high in fat and low in nutritional
value, have become a convenient and inexpensive
dietary staple. These are all
generalizations that represent how society
influences our eating habits. Television and magazines
also contribute to our eating habits; we are inundated
with food advertisements, recipes, and the latest
“dieting” trends.
Food can also be seen as a
privilege, gift or reward. It is common to give a
child a sweet in reward for good behavior, or give a
box of chocolates to a loved one as a sign of
affection. Eating is a social event in which dishes
reflect habits, social memberships and culture. To
impress guests, we may prepare a gourmet meal,
complete with heavy sauces and rich desserts.
Obesity
is responsible for 300.000 deaths a year in the US.
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