What are food choices?

Food choices are when we decide to eat different types of food for different reasons.

There are some foods we like and some we don’t like.

Our likes and dislikes can be different to those of the people around us.

We might like some food because:

• it tastes nice
• it looks tasty
• it smells good and makes us want to eat it

We might dislike some food because:

• it doesn't taste nice
• it doesn’t look tasty or familiar
• it doesn’t smell very nice

People make food choices for many reasons including:

• religious or cultural beliefs
• if they have an allergy or a food intolerance
• what time of day it is
• where they are going to eat

Our food choices might also depend on whether we are hungry, what mood we are in, what weather or season it is or even whether it is good for the planet.

Some people may choose foods that are special to them in their religion.

In some religions, people eat foods that have been prepared in a special way. Some people might also have rules about not eating certain foods because of their beliefs or culture.

Islam

In Islam, halal is the name given to foods that are permitted or that have been prepared in a certain way following Islamic teachings.

For example, certain foods like pork are forbidden in Islam.

Judaism

In Judaism, Jewish people cannot eat anything that isn't kosher.

'Kosher' describes a food that adheres to a set of rules called kashrut. These rules inform Jewish people how to prepare and eat food following Jewish teachings.

For example, Jewish people who follow a kosher diet are not allowed to eat pork or shellfish.

Hinduism

Many Hindus avoid eating beef because cows are considered very important in Hinduism.

Some foods are eaten as a part of special celebrations. Here are some examples of special celebration foods.

Certain foods can cause some people to feel unwell or their body to react. This is known as a food allergy or a food intolerance.

A food allergy can be very dangerous and make some people very ill.

Some people can be allergic to things such as milk, nuts and shellfish.

A food intolerance is not usually as serious as a food allergy, but it can still make people feel unwell.

It could be just one ingredient in a certain food that some people need to avoid or eat less of.

For example, some people can be intolerant to gluten, which can be found in most types of bread.

Gluten-free bread is usually a better choice for people with a gluten intolerance.

The time of day can also affect the food that we choose.

It is important to have regular meals every day to give our bodies energy and stay healthy.

• For breakfast, we might choose foods that are quick and easy to make and give us energy for the day.
• At lunchtime, we might choose a healthy school meal or foods that we can put into a packed lunch.
• For our evening meal, we might choose a bigger meal that keeps us full until our next meal at breakfast.
• To give us energy between meals, we can choose healthy snacks, such as an apple, a yoghurt or some carrot sticks.

There are lots of different places where we make food choices:

• at home
• at school
• at a restaurant
• at a party with friends

You might choose certain foods depending on where you are.

For example, you might choose a banana when you go for a walk in the park because it is easier to eat on the go.

Why not have a go at this quiz and create a picnic for you and your friends to share? Think about which foods they like to eat.