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Factors Among Food Choice

Research shows that one of the main factors associated with an unhealthy diet was having a mother of low socioeconomic status. 

Socioeconomic Status

One study was done in an attempt to determine the factors associated with an unhealthy diet.

University students were asked to complete a survey about their food choices and habits. The questions were about socioeconomic status, physical activity, and food intake.

Findings showed that one of the main factors associated with an unhealthy diet was low financial income.

Finding Finances

Maintaining a healthy diet is extremely important in reducing healthcare costs and ensuring long-term quality of life.

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Can Low-Income Citizens Afford a Healthy Diet?

Poor income relates to poor diets nationwide.

It is simply more expensive and more time consuming to buy healthier food options which is why many low-income Americans rely on feeding their families boxed dinners every night.

Attitudes/Perceptions Surrounding Food

Based on the results of the first study, we see that growing up in a low-income family makes you more likely to consume unhealthy foods.

Another study was done in an effort to explore perceptions and attitudes involved with these food choices.

Interviews were conducted over the phone with mothers living in a community considered to be one of the poorest in the nation.

Boxed is Not Better

Parents in low-income communities and low-income households simply don’t have the money to purchase fresh produce or healthier options because healthier foods are more expensive.

Foods that are highly processed tend to be cheaper and have more calories so parents choose these options when feeding their kids.

Low-income families prefer less healthy snacks. Since it is quicker to cook food that comes from a box, such as Mac & Cheese/Hamburger Helper, low-income parents tend to choose these options because they don’t have the time or money to purchase healthier foods.

Results

Those who come from lower economic statuses or groups are more likely to consume diets high in fat, and low in micronutrient density.

Families with low-incomes also tend to have a lower intake of fruit and vegetables.

The study found that cost and budget play a large role when it comes to making food choices.

Because processed foods are cheaper, low-income families tend to choose unhealthy options compared to families with higher incomes.

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Food Motivators

What motivates you to cook? Studies show if you have something motivating you, you’re more likely to eat healthier!

Food Feedback

While the previous study looked at the relationship between attitudes for and against food, a final study found similar results when looking at food motivators.

Researchers found that households with low-incomes tended to have less healthy diets. So, they predicted that providing feedback personalized to specific households would help low-income families improve their diets and make them more aware of food choice in order to encourage better eating habits.

Results

Women with lower instances of motivation were less likely to eat healthy, to eat organic foods and to make healthy food choices.

Low-income households don’t have the necessary motivation to cook healthy meals for their family.

However, with better resources and motivators for low-income households, people can be persuaded into choosing healthier options with greater motivation and a larger support system.

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SUMMARY

Findings from the above studies may help us create food policies that help to promote healthy lifestyles among low-income families, so that they have the opportunity to feed their families healthy foods.

Maintaining a healthy diet promotes a good quality of life for families and their child(ren), regardless of income.