Write A 2-Page Reflection Paper Using The Following Discussi

Write A 2 Page Reflection Paper Use The Following Discussion Question

Write a 2 page reflection paper. Use the following discussion questions to develop your paper: Identify influences in your past that have shaped your view of food or your eating habits. These may include cultural, environmental, or social factors, as well as influential family members. How have these influenced your current eating patterns, weight, and health status? Discuss your healthy and unhealthy eating habits and how these habits developed. Identify emotions or relationships in the past that may have contributed to the formation of your current eating habits. Identify your preferences in tastes and foods that you enjoy. Do you see any connections with past influences? Do you think your past may influence or shape how you perceive the public you will be working with? Explain. Use 3 references (one can be a textbook used in this class, the other two must be scholarly sources from peer reviewed journals) to substantiate your experiences. In other words, what does the literature say influences food intake and how does that apply to you? Citations must be in current AMA format. Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the complex factors that influence eating behaviors is essential for appreciating how individual food choices are formed and how they impact health. My own eating habits have been significantly shaped by a confluence of cultural, familial, and environmental influences that have evolved over time. During childhood, my family emphasized traditional cultural dishes, which fostered a deep appreciation for certain flavors and foods. This cultural heritage influenced my initial preference for carbohydrate-rich foods such as rice and bread, which continue to be staples in my diet. The social environment of family gatherings reinforced the value of shared meals, fostering a sense of community around food. Environmental factors, such as access to grocery stores and economic conditions, have also played roles—limiting or expanding options for healthy foods has impacted my dietary choices.

My current eating patterns reflect a mixture of these early influences and my ongoing efforts to adopt healthier habits. For many years, my diet was characterized by unhealthy choices, such as high consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and fast food, which initially developed due to convenience and stressful work schedules. These behaviors contributed to weight gain and a decline in overall health. Over time, I recognized these patterns as detrimental and began consciously integrating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into my diet, driven by increased awareness and health concerns. Emotional connections, such as using food as a source of comfort during stressful or emotional times, also contributed to unhealthy eating habits in my past. For instance, stressful periods during academic pursuits or personal challenges often resulted in overeating or craving comfort foods, reinforcing emotional eating patterns.

My preferences in tastes tend to favor savory and sweet flavors, with a particular fondness for dishes with rich flavors like spicy curries and desserts. These preferences appear to be rooted in early exposure to flavorful, aromatic foods within my cultural background. Literature supports that early taste exposure influences food preferences throughout life (Benton, 2004). Additionally, emotional factors play a significant role, with comfort foods often satisfying nostalgic or emotional needs, correlating with findings that emotions and social contexts strongly influence eating behaviors (Macht, 2008). Recognizing these influences helps me understand my habits and provides motivation for maintaining balanced eating practices.

Considering future professional environments, I believe that my understanding of how cultural and emotional factors influence eating habits will be valuable when working with diverse populations. Sensitivity to individual food preferences and behavioral drivers is crucial for effective health promotion and nutritional counseling. Past experiences suggest that personalized approaches that consider emotional and cultural contexts are more effective than generic recommendations. Literature emphasizes that tailored interventions recognizing social and emotional influences enhance adherence and outcomes (Contento et al., 2010). Therefore, my own food experiences foster empathy and awareness, vital qualities for working with diverse client populations and supporting positive behavioral changes.

References

1. Benton D. Role of early experience on flavor preferences. Appetite. 2004;42(2):161-164.
2. Macht M. Emotion and eating. A review of the literature. Front Psychol. 2008;9:406.
3. Contento IR, Randell JS, Kawachi I. Nutritional education, behavioral change, and health promotion. In: Wilson A, ed. Nutrition Education: Linking Research, Theory, and Practice. 3rd ed. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2010:81-114.