How To Deal With Picky Eaters

http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Experts believe that picky eating is more than just an acquired taste in food, it has something to do with the way it has developed into their system when growing up, their food culture and the surrounding environment that they were exposed to.

There’s no surprise to see people develop tastes for what other may think as weird or bizarre foods, however, whet could be different for some may be common traditional fare for others.

Take for example the latest statistics on food preferences or choices for 2016. Google’s most popular food-related searches are cauliflower, cheese curds and pork shoulder. While some would find these types of foods delectable, others may find it repulsive or nauseating.

In a recent interview regarding such a study on food, anthropologist Jane Kauer from the University of Pennsylvania and the Monell Chemical Sciences Center, she pointed out that even while food preferences are intensely personal, researchers have found out a way to figure out how people become so picky of the things they eat.

• Food handling. One of the most common behaviours identified for picky eaters Is when they do not know how the food was handled or where it came from. These people are a bit suspicious about questionable food preparation practices that it clouds their judgment and always thinking about the negative aspects of food preparation.
• Food combinations. Some people regard mixed foods as adulterated and allows their food to lose its original native flavours- like being served pizza together with spaghetti, or fried chicken with a side of collared greens.
• Selective food choices. Of course, not everyone loves everything, but while there are some who have grown accustomed to common everyday fare, there are those that are picky with a lot of food products.

There are a few factors that govern these habits, which are mostly a result of environmental, cultural and traditional practices where they grew up in.

Take for example Muslims and why they do not eat pork. As pork meat may be a culinary treat for some, Muslims are prohibited from eating it not because it does not taste good for them, but because their religion calls for it.

Another good example is peer pressure. Some would decide to eat something out of pressure from peers is insisting that they need to try it because it tastes good.

Understanding the different attitudes and behaviour towards food is something that everyone needs to understand, in order to make sure no one gets to be offended the next time you decline an offer for food that you do not like.

The post How To Deal With Picky Eaters appeared first on NUTRITION CLUB CANADA.