Research problem
In studying food habits, one is constantly reminded that of necessity human beings always have eaten from what is available. Only from among those foods which are available may people make choices. Further, when allowed a choice, they will tend to adhere to optimal foraging theory. That is, they will choose first from those foods that have the most favorable cost-benefit balances (Ashley et al., 2004). In spite of the diversity of man’s food habits, there is an amazing commonality across regions and time, with respect to the types of foods and food products used. Undoubtedly, this circumstance has resulted from several factors. First, all human cultures share the same nutritional needs. Second, these needs must be supplied by available foods, and last, these foods tend to fall into predictable categories across the globe. Throughout history, food has had special meaning and significance for humankind. Those people who did not eat well tended to die. Thus, humans became aware that food is of the utmost importance for everyone, in order to survive. Because food fulfills basic physiological needs essential for life, food soon took on special social and psychological significance. Food is something with which every living person has had contact, usually on a daily basis, throughout life, or that individual would not have survived. Therefore, all of people have had an intimate familiarity with food, perhaps making people feel qualified to evaluate and discuss issues which surround it. For all of these reasons, there are few topics which elicit more emotional responses and on which people have stronger opinions, than food (McIntosh 1995). The food habits of individuals differ among people. This proposed paper wants to study the food habits of high school students in boarding houses.
Objectives
Literature Review
Adolescence is a period of very rapid growth. The total nutritional requirements of adolescents are greater than those of adults except during pregnancy and lactation; yet meeting nutritional needs of adolescents is complicated. Changes in physiologic, psychological, and social development may compromise food habits. As a result, this group is particularly vulnerable to poor nutrient intake and disordered eating. Nutritional needs tend to stabilize in early adulthood (Caplan 1997). It is difficult to define stages of adulthood. It begins in the early twenties, but the transition to middle and old age has relatively few markers and there is wide variability between individuals. Middle age traditionally was said to begin around age 40, but the generation of baby boomers who are now approaching 50 have stretched that definition. Similarly, the definition of an older adult is arbitrary. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the elderly population, it is difficult to define old age as a chronological milepost. In fact, with increased longevity and population trends, this is a rapidly growing segment of the population. Making a change in eating behaviors provides a unique challenge to the client and the nutrition counselor. Unlike starting a new exercise program in which something new is added to a person’s routine, changes in eating behavior must be built upon existing food habits. Food habits are influenced by a multitude of factors, including culture, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and physical and mental abilities. The nutrition counselor’s challenge is to understand these influences and to assist the client in adapting his diet to meet the needs in the world in which he lives (Mitchell 1997). Nutrition is needed by all kinds and types of individuals especially those who are on the process of adulthood.
Methodology
Sample collection
To determine the number of respondents that will be asked to participate and give information regarding the study convenience sampling will be used. Convenience sampling means to collect or interview individuals who actually experience the phenomenon. Convenience sampling will focus on individuals that experienced diabetes mellitus or has someone in the family that experienced such disease.
Methodology/Data Collection
Primary and secondary sources of data would be used for the study. Surveys will the primary method of data collection. Internet surveys would be the primary source of data. Internet surveys have been both hyped for their capabilities and criticized for the security issues it brings. Internet surveys would also require less time for the researchers and the respondents. Secondary source of data would involve the use of books and journals.
Data Analysis
In analyzing the collected data, the paper will be divided into the demographic profiles of the respondents and the ideas of respondents. The data that will be acquired will be put into graphs and tables.
References
Ashley, B, Hollows, J, Jones, S & Taylor, B 2004, Food and
cultural studies, Routledge, New York.
Caplan, P 1997, Food, health and identity, Routledge, London.
McIntosh, EN 1995, American food habits in historical
Perspective, Praeger, Westport, CT.
Mitchell, M 1997, Nutrition across the life span, W. B.
Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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