Dietary Choices

Question 1

Explain some of the reasons for dietary choices

Answer 1

Personal preference

Intolerances

Health Conditions and Medical Advice

Ethical and Environmental Concerns

Religious and Cultural Beliefs

Weight management and fitness goals

Dietary trends

Cooking skills

Question 2

Explain why allergies and intolerances are sometimes the reasons for food choices

Answer 2

Food intolerances refer to the body’s difficulty in digesting certain foods, which leads to adverse reactions

Food intolerance is generally characterized by digestive problems

Common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Food intolerances can result from enzyme deficiencies (e.g lactose intolerance), sensitivity to food additives, or reaction to naturally occurring compounds in foods

Identifying and managing food intolerances often involves eliminating trigger foods and may require medical guidance for accurate diagnosis and dietary adjustments

Question 3

Give some of the health conditions that would affect dietary choices

Answer 3

Diabetes

Pre-diabetic

Cardiovascular episode

Hypertension

Pregnancy

Gatrointestinal condions

Menopause

Question 4

Give some of the ethical and environmental concerns that would affect dietary choices

Answer 4

More awareness of the global impact of food production on the environment

Ethical concerns around the consumption of animal products and by-products

Food miles

Packaging

Question 5

Explain the different types of vegetarian diets there are and what foods people cannot consume if they follow these diets

Answer 5

Ovo-Lactoc Vegetarians

Excludes meat, fish, and poultry, but includes dairy products (Lacto) and eggs (ovo)

Lacto-Vegetarian:

Excludes meat, fish, poultry and eggs, but includes dairy products (lacto)

Ovo Vegetarians:

Excludes meat, fish, poultry, and dairy, but includes eggs (ovo)

Flexitarian or Semi-Vegetarian:

Primarily follows a plant-based diet but occasionally includes small amounts of meat, fish, or poultry

Pescatarian:

Excludes meat and poultry but includes fish and other seafood

Pollotarian:

Excludes red meat, fish, and seafood but includes poultry

Question 6

Explain what a vegan diet is and what it includes and does not include

Answer 6

A vegan diet is a plant-based eating pattern that excludes all animal-derived products. In a vegan diet:

The primary focus is on consuming fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds

Vegans avoid all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.

Question 7

Explain what a raw vegan is

Answer 7

In addition to excluding animal products, this diet emphasizes consuming raw and unprocessed plant foods

Includes: fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains are staples, often eaten in their natural state

Question 8

Identify some of the religious and cultural beliefs that would affect dietary choice

Answer 8

Kosher (Judaism)

Hala (Islam)

Vegetarianism (Hinduism, Jainism)

Lenten Fasting (Christianity)

Sicks: encouraged to follow a simple and balanced diet

Buddhism: some Buddhists may follow vegetarian practices

Question 9

Explain what a keto diet is and give the concerns of following this diet

Answer 9

High fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake to include ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel

Concerns: Potential nutrient deficiencies, difficulty sustaining long-term, and possible side effects

Question 10

Explain what intermittent fasting is and give the concerns of following this diet

Answer 10

Involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, with various methods like 16/8 methods or alternate-day fasting

Concerns: may not be suitable for everyone, potential for overeating during eating windows, and challenges with adherence

Question 11

Explain what a palaeolithic (paleo) diet is and give the concerns of following this diet

Answer 11

Focuses on foods presumed to have been available to humans during the Paleolithic era, such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds

Concerns: Lack of certain food groups, potential dor nutritional deficiencies, and limited scientific support for some claims

Question 12

Explain what carnivore diet is and give the concerns of following this diet

Answer 12

Involves consuming only animal products and excludes all plant-based foods

Concerns: lack of fiber and essential nutrients found in plant foods, the potential for nutrient imbalances, and limited long-term research

Question 13

Explain the following dietary trends and fads:

Personalized nutrition

Functional foods

Mindful Eating

Answer 13

Personalized Nutrition:

Advances in technology and nutrition science are leading to increased interest in personalized nutrition. Tailoring diets based on individual genetic makeup, health conditions, and lifestyle factors in becoming more feasible

Functional Foods:

There is a growing interest in foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Functional foods often contain added nutrients, probiotics, or other bioactive compounds that may have positive effects on health

Mindful Eating:

Mindful eating focuses on being present and attentive while eating, promoting a healthier relationship with foods. This includes paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, savouring flavours, and avoiding distractions during meals