ɪɴꜰʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇꜱ ᴏɴ ꜰᴏᴏᴅ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇꜱ: ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʀʀᴏᴡꜱ (ɪꜱᴀʙᴇʟʟᴀ ɢᴜ)

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HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

luonut Dheyab Hisham

Festivals and Traditions

luonut Ingrid Santos

Bread

luonut Monique Brik

factors that Influence livability

luonut Abbi Todd

Aside from the necessity of eating to survive, there exist psychological meanings as well. These psychological factors contribute additional reasons for us to eat food, most commonly seen with comfort foods and having certain food habits when in adulthood which stem from our relationship with food as children. To maintain a healthy diet, it is important to not see food as a solution to our emotional problems. This is also tied in with the ability to recognize physical hunger and false hunger. While physical hunger refers to your stomach needing food and your body needing to replenish its energy, false hunger is when the need to eat is triggered by either emotions, or cravings. By recognizing the difference between the two, we can better determine whether we actually need to eat or not. Likewise, to avoid emotional eating, we need to establish better coping mechanisms such as partaking in hobbies, and exercising.

The physiological aspect is the most fundamental and basic influence to why we eat. Unlike the other influences which stem from "wants," this would be considered a "need." As the bottom of Maslow's pyramid for the hierarchy of needs, we have to eat in order to survive. The amount of food we need, and the nutrients we should consume is all dependent on our age, BMI, physical activity levels, lifestyle, and any health conditions if present. For example, a teenager would eat a lot more food compared to an adult, because they are going through a growth phase. However, since the last few decades, the whole reasoning behind eating food has changed drastically. We no longer eat just to survive, we also eat to enjoy the food and fulfill our desires. To explain, the normalization of processed and junk foods has made it significantly more difficult for Canadians to achieve a healthy balance between all nutrients. Ultimately, what our body needs, is not always what we eat. This creates an opening for a surplus in nutrients that are not good for our health, and a deficiency in those that we need in order to function properly.

When it comes to the types of food we choose to eat, and prefer to eat, our culture and religious background plays a huge role. In connection with the 5 senses, our taste buds develop as we grow older to like the flavors of the foods that we were fed most often by our family/caregivers. Thus, what our parents/caregivers enjoy cooking and are most familiar with cooking determines what we would eat. And, the food preferences of our parents/caregivers is dependent on their cultural and religious background. This has a great influence on our food choices later on, but also has an important role in establishing, as well as enforcing our own cultural identity. Food is not only for nourishment, it connects people within the same culture, and equally with different cultures. In Canada, a big percentage of our population is composed of immigrants. Since many are not in their home country, food helps them feel a sense of home, and for second generation children to connect with their cultural roots. Culture is not necessarily confined to a country, it is within all of us. So, passing down these food traditions and cultural celebration practices to the younger generation is crucial in reminding them of their roots no matter where they may venture in the future.

The resources available to us, is what determines what we are able to eat, the quality of the ingredients, and how good the dish may taste. For most Canadians, the greatest two factors are: time and money. The quality of meals are dependent on the amount of time spent in preparation, and the money/budget that we have decides not only the quantity of ingredients, but also its quality. Sometimes, well-off families may also choose to purchase food services such as HelloFresh so that all of the ingredients come pre-packaged. Now when it comes to teenagers, the resources available to us are mostly what our parents provide. It is important that we take advantage of these resources, and learn skills in the kitchen before we become adults, so that we will be prepared when we move out for studies/work. In this way, we are creating more resources for ourselves in the future.

In connection with the psychological influence, advertising manipulates our psychological tendencies to buy unhealthy food products, which takes advantage of our physiological need (five senses: taste) by utilizing additives. On its own, food advertisements are acceptable, but now there is a big issue with the majority of those advertisements promoting unhealthy foods. As these advertisements are practically everywhere, all we can do is limit its influence by being conscious consumers and fuelers. This includes minimizing our exposure to platforms that display a lot of food advertisements, and making sure that youth do not watch television on channels that feature repeating advertisements. With fast-food advertisements being a large contributor to obesity amongst both children and adults, it is crucial that we are aware of how media can influence our food choices.

When taking a deeper look into social influences, we can clearly observe that it makes a big impact on us, both emotionally and physically. As humans, we are undoubtedly a social species, and need the companionship of others to feel a sense of commitment, community, and involvement. In the present day, most of us regularly socialize with the presence of food, whether it be with friends, at school, or at specific occasions. Although it is rewarding and makes life more fun, it gives us a reason to eat, even if we may not be physically hungry. Oftentimes, we are only increasing our consumption of fast foods, simply because it is what's most abundant. To be conscious fuelers, we should all aim to choose the healthier options, and only consume processed foods in moderate amounts, even with distractions of socialization.

Influences on Food Choices By: Isabella Gu

Resources Available

Equipment

No Stand Mixer

Since I do not have a stand mixer, I found that I cannot properly make certain desserts, or that it is much harder with only a hand-mixer. This is one of the reasons why I usually only bake simple desserts. It is specifically with kneading bread doughs for 10+ minutes that it gets extremely tiring. Similarly, making whipped egg whites with a hand mixer can become very loud, and it would be much more convenient to use a stand mixer. In this way, I can work on preparing other ingredients while waiting for the egg whites to become a whipped cream texture.

Difficult to Beat Egg Whites

When the cloud bread recipe was trending, I tried making it with only a hand-mixer. Making the whipped egg whites was quite tedious since it had to be beat for over 10 minutes.

Difficult to Make Bread

Simple Desserts

Due to the fact that I do not have a lot of baking equipment, I can only make simple desserts. In correlation with time, one of the reasons I stopped baking was because we went back to in-person school. As everything got busier, I no longer had a lot of free time, which many of the recipes (especially those that needed fermentation) required.

Carrot Cake

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Banana Bread

Cassava Cake

Money

On-Sale Ingredients

To save money when grocery shopping, my grandparents like to check the supermarket's flyers to see what is on-sale. Sometimes, my mom also takes a look at the "reduced prices" section, or compare vegetable prices between stores. This affects the foods that are available to me at home, since it means they will be reluctant to buy organic foods (price is significantly higher).

Walmart Flyer

NoFrills Flyer

Time

Quality of Meals

Although I do not make my lunches everyday, during the period of times that my grandma went back to China, it was up to my mom to cook my lunches. Since she did not have a lot of time in the mornings, I would usually get sandwiches or a hummus and egg wrap for lunch. However, when she had time the night before, she would make me Chinese cold noodles or Chinese egg pancakes. In doing this, I could easily heat up the food in the morning and bring it to school without her having to wake up earlier.

Chinese Cold Noodles

Chinese Egg Pancakes

Hummus & Egg Wrap

Sandwich

Availability

When I was younger, I always went grocery shopping with my mom and grandma. Now, in order to limit the amount of junk foods I buy, I purposely do not go shopping. Therefore, I can only eat what my mom buys, or the foods that I buy at the mall when with friends. Above, I have included some foods that are commonly stocked in my pantry.

Taro Cream Wafers

Quaker Granola Bar

Chinese Garlic Green Peas

Indomie Mi Goreng (Instant Stir Fry Noodles)

Seasonal Ingredients

Living in Canada, we have plenty of seasonal ingredients, even when they are technically not in season thanks to the importation of food products from other countries. Aside from the examples I have listed, it is key to remember that seasonal ingredients can still be bought in the frozen foods section at the grocery store. Just because it is frozen, does not mean that it loses all nutrition value.

Fresh Seasonal Ingredients

Chestnuts

Chestnuts are typically harvested from mid-September to November. My family always buys chestnuts when they are in season, because my grandparents enjoy all types of nuts. Personally, I don't like raw chestnuts, and only prefer Chinese pastries that contain chestnut filling.

California Fresh Figs

This type of fig is usually in season from May to November. From my experience, they are very sweet and have a unique taste. It is much better than the dried figs that my mom usually buys, as the concentrated sweetness from dried figs is way too overpowering.

Apple

Most apples are available from late July through early November. It is at this time that apples are the most ripe and sweet. With that being said, a lot of people like to make or buy apple pie while its in season.

Pumpkin

Enjoyed during Autumn season, especially in October for Thanksgiving, and a popular Halloween decoration as Jack-o'-Lanterns .

Frozen Seasonal Ingredients

Frozen Green Peas

Frozen Chopped Spinach

Frozen Avocado Chunks

Frozen Pineapple Chunks

Ability

Myself

Thanks to the pandemic, I was able to learn more about cooking and baking. Now, I think that I am able to make some basic dishes, however I definitely struggle with preparing, washing/cleaning vegetables, and meat. I hope to continue practicing cooking in the summer because I don't want the inability more advanced dishes to to influence my future food choices.

Difficult Foods

Chinese Crepes

Mixed Seafood in Oyster Sauce

Braised Pork Belly

Bread

Easy Foods

Kraft Dinner (Macaroni & Cheese)

Sunny-Side Up Eggs

Shin Ramyun (Instant Noodles)

Grandma

Unlike most households, my parents do not cook on the weekdays. Usually, it is my grandmother who cooks for us, which is also one of the main reasons why I would not have to think too much about my own ability to prepare food. At the top, I included some of my favorite dishes cooked by my grandma

Chinese Chive Pockets

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Culture & Celebrations

Religion

Christian

Coming from a Christian household, I can say that we don't have religious foods, or any foods we are not allowed to eat. Christianity is not a religion that imposes certain practices with foods such as some other religions. However, I do know that we are supposed to avoid eating the blood of any living creature. This would apply to my family because there are numerous Chinese dishes made with blood curd. Essentially, blood curd is the solidified form of an animal's blood, and it is commonly eaten in China. I think that it would be considered an exotic food in Western countries because it sounds quite gross.

Duck Blood Curd

Celebrations

Dongzhi Festival

The Dongzhi festival is centered around the Winter Solstice in China. It marks the transition of the winter season, to spring. Although people in other provinces of China may eat dumplings, it is most common for families to eat Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball soup) and Jiuniang (sweet fermented rice) as dessert after dinner.

Tangyuan

Jiuniang

Christmas

Christmas is one of the most important holidays/celebrations that Christians celebrate. This is also another opportunity to enjoy lots of delicious food, as well as an assortment of chocolates/sweets.

Roast Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Gingerbread House

Fruit Cake

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is my favorite celebration in the entire year because it is a time of happiness, where relatives and family members from afar can reunite. Aside from the red pocket money, I really enjoy the food we eat on Chinese New Year's Eve. On this night, everyone plays cards and Mahjong while eating traditional Chinese dishes. My mom always spends hours preparing for each dish, which is why we normally never have these special foods at any other time of the year.

Spring Rolls

Dumplings

Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake)

Peking Duck

Family

Traditions

To be honest, I don't think my family has any traditions with food. Every week is pretty much the same with my grandma alternating between different Chinese vegetables. However, at the start of 2020, we found two excellent Chinese restaurants near where we lived and the dining experience was very pleasant. Since the pandemic, we just resorted to either doing a pick-up at the restaurant or ordering an Uber Eats so that we can still enjoy our favorite dishes. In my opinion, no order is complete without buying cumin lamb. It has a very unique taste, and it's also basically a cheaper version of Chinese lamb skewers.

Bashu Sichuan Restaurant

Beef Wrap

Cumin Lamb

Foodie North

Shanghai Noodles

Yam Dessert

Chinese Background

Since my family is from China, and my parents were born in China, all of the dishes we make at home are from Chinese recipes. In addition, most of the ingredients we use can only be found at Chinese/Asian supermarkets. This influences the foods I eat, because that means I normally would not get to eat or try foods from other cultures. At the top, I have included some staple ingredients we have at home.

Chinese Yam

Winter Melon

Bok Choy

Rice

Physiological Needs

Age Factor

Nutrients

As a teenager, my body is going through a rapid growth phase, which is why I need to make sure to consume enough nutrients each day. With that being said, the foods that I eat should be nutrient-dense, meaning it is full of nutrients while not containing an excessive amount of calories. It is in nutrient- dense foods that I can get enough of both micronutrients and macronutrients.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients that are needed by the body in large amounts. Our total caloric intake is composed of these macronutrients. In other words, macronutrients provide our body with energy, while micronutrients do not.

Fats

Carbohydrates

Proteins

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are nutrients that are needed by the body in very small amounts. They are vital to healthy development, disease prevention, and critical for important functions in our bodies.

Minerals

Vitamins

Water

Snacks

Often, eating 3 meals a day is not enough which is why we need to replenish our energy by eating snacks. Eating snacks are also beneficial in the aspect that it prevents us from overeating at mealtimes. However, it is important to avoid snacking out of boredom (mindless snacking). Most snacks that we eat mindlessly are full of empty calories, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. To ensure that a snack is actually healthy, always check the food labels and nutrition facts table. A great indicator if a snack is nutrient-dense is that it should include ingredients from 2 to 3 food groups.

Whole Grain Crackers & Cheese

Vegetables with Hummus Dip

Smoothie Bowl

Personally, I enjoy smoothie bowls and smoothies in general because it helps you consume all the fruits and vegetables that you normally would not eat in solid form. Even though the initial reason of consumption for all foods is for its nutrients, in a society where the emphasis on taste is amplified, it is hard to get ourselves to eat certain foods. Whether it be due to the texture or flavor that does not sit right with us, all of those characteristics would at least be masked when it is blended with other fruits and vegetables.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Hunger

As mentioned in class, the amount of food that we eat now is probably the most we will ever eat compared to any other time period in our lives. For hunger levels, I believe it varies for me on a daily basis. However, I try to keep in mind that the amount of calories I consume should be at a good range for my height and weight (BMI), metabolism, as well as physical activity levels.

I am always the most hungry when I get home after a long day at school.

Baritone Horn (Euphonium)

I play a low brass instrument commonly known as the baritone horn or euphonium. Whenever I have band practice after school, I am always super hungry afterwards, which is why I make sure to pack a snack just for band. Blowing into an instrument is very tiring, and takes away a lot of energy.

Walking

Now that the weather is warmer, I can finally start taking walks around the neighborhood again. I hope to reach 60 minutes of exercise every day because it is not good to eat too many excessive calories (despite increased hunger levels). There should be a good balance between how much energy we consume, and how much energy we burn off.

Nutrition

Health

Since I have an iron deficiency, I am encouraged to eat more protein, dark leafy green vegetables, and iron-fortified foods. Although I should also take iron supplements, I believe its side effects are not measurable to its benefits. It is important that I minimize the affects of anemia, because it would affect my energy levels and I would not be able to give my best performance at school, as well as at home.

Kale

Red Meats

Chickpeas

Spinach

Breakfast

Breakfast is a very important part of my daily nutrition. As a high school student, I find that I am not able to concentrate well in classes if I skip breakfast in the morning. It also increases my irritability due to lethargy, which is why I am aiming to wake up earlier each day so that I have time to eat breakfast. At the top, I have included some popular and delicious breakfast ideas that I can attempt in the future.

Green Smoothie

Banana Protein Pancakes

Yogurt Bowl

Bagel with Margarine

Overnight Oats

Food Guide

To obtain the best nutrition, it is important that I follow the Canada's Food Guide requirements. Opposed to the old Food Guide, the new one is more inclusive with cultures and flexibility of lifestyles. In addition, I no longer have to calculate the servings I need for each food group. All I have to do is maintain the food group ratios on my plate at each meal.

Whole Grains

1/2 of my plate should consist of whole grain foods. Some examples include: quinoa, whole grain bread, oatmeal, and brown rice. They are an excellent source of fiber, and help lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, as well as colon cancer. In addition, fiber is crucial in regulating the body's use of sugars, and helping with bowel movements.

Protein

1/4 of my plate should consist of proteins (which also contains dairy products now). According to the Canada's Food Guide, I should strive to eat more plant-based proteins since they provide more fiber for less saturated fat. This would also be helpful if I were a vegetarian. Considering the fact that most complete proteins come from animal-based foods, I would have to eat a variety of plant-based proteins to ensure I can still get all the essential amino acids.

Fruits & Vegetables

1/2 of my plate should consist of fruits & vegetables. It is in this food group that I can get important nutrients such as: fiber, vitamins, minerals. I know that in order to get an assortment of vitamins and minerals each day, I have to make sure to eat fruits and vegetables of all colors. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables also create a good balance between simple carbohydrates (fruits) and complex carbohydrates (vegetables). Together, they make an excellent source of energy.

5 Senses

Touch

Chicken Wrap

Taste

Umami

Kimchi (Napa is rich in umami)

Bitter

Chinese Bitter Melon

Personally, I absolutely despise eating Chinese bitter melon because the way we cook it at home never seems to minimize its bitter taste. However, it is very healthy as it prevents diseases, helps with bone formation and is high in vitamin A.

Salty

French Fries

Sour

Grapefruit

Sweet

Doughnut

Smell

Chili Soup

Hearing

Potato Chips (Crunching Sound)

Sight

Chinese Fried Rice

Advertising

Techniques

Trends

In my opinion, viral food trends do not affect me because I usually don't have the time or motivation to test out the recipe (or food combinations), but it does make me curious of how the food tastes. Along with many other people, we are more encouraged to try it out because it is trendy. Nevertheless, these so-called trends are really just fads; their popularity is not sustainable. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that we follow trends that encourage healthier eating, as well as try a variety of foods (this helps people with food exploration journey), and not those that prove to be a threat to our diet and lifestyle.

Baked Feta Pasta

Squid Game Dalgona Candy

Nature's Cereal

Dalgona Coffee

Creator Sponsorships

In reality, content creator sponsorships is also technically under celebrity endorsement, but I believe that these sponsorships have a different affect on me. As I have been watching YouTube videos for a long time, I have come across many sponsorships. I find that if it's one of my favorite YouTubers, I am more likely to listen to the entire sponsorship. However, if it's from a YouTuber that I don't watch often or do not care much about, I would skip the sponsorship section and continue on to the rest of the video. Sponsorships are different from normal YouTube advertisements, because you have the freedom to skip to another part of the video. However, most watch it anyways, so long as the creator showcases the product in an interesting way, or transitions the main content of the video to a sponsorship in a clever way. Above, I have included 4 food products/subscription service brands that I have seen from content creator sponsorships.

TokyoTreat

SIMULATE (NUGGS)

Built Bar (Protein Bar)

HelloFresh

HelloFresh is one of the more unique food-related services that I have seen. I remember first being introduced to this company through a YouTube creator sponsorship a few years back, and I really enjoyed the way how the service was featured. Whether it be a few years ago or now, content creators typically choose their favorite recipe and make it with the ingredients that are provided by HelloFresh. As a younger kid, I found it fascinating that the YouTubers could make those seemingly difficult dishes with such ease. And even now, I still think that it is quite convenient to have the exact amount needed of each fresh ingredient.

Marketing

Without marketing techniques, advertisements by themselves cannot truly reach their full potential. Out of all the common advertising techniques, the one that I am most susceptible to is probably celebrity endorsement. Usually popular food products that feature a well-known singer(s) are what receives the most attention on social media and are able to start trends amongst the younger generation. This in turn creates a bandwagon effect, as repetition occurs with seeing the people I follow on social media partake in buying/making the food product(s). In result, I am convinced to join the trend as well, for the sake of not missing out.

Catchy Slogan

Catchy slogans is a technique used by many advertisers, in which they make up a short and striking phrase and display it as the main heading of the advertisement. By doing this, consumers can remember the slogan/jingle, and the brand can in turn achieve brand recognition.

Nutrient Claims

This technique makes certain food products appear to be healthier than others by using a statement about the amount of a nutrient found in the product. Some examples could be that the product is low in fat, and high in iron. However, to make such a claim, the amount of that certain nutrient must meet a certain criteria.

Celebrity Endorsement

Uses a celebrity's fame and social status to get people to buy the marketed product. With food marketing, what is popularly seen in recent years is that fast-food brands will make a limited edition meal or special menu item that features a celebrity's favorite foods from the brand.

Bandwagon

Technique used in which it targets the consumer's desire to fit in with the majority, likewise an individual's fear of missing out (emotional appeal).

Advertisements

Digital Media

The main difference between digital media and traditional media is that digital media has an abundance of advertisements, and has become more effective as more consumers have been relying on their electronic devices. In my opinion, digital media has a greater impact on me due to the fact that I spend a lot of time on my phone each day. On the social media platforms I use (ex. YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram), I am inevitably exposed to a wide range of advertisements.

Instagram

Blue Apron

Grubhub

YouTube Commercials

Arby's

Taco Bell

Traditional Media

Traditional media refers to the advertising channels that have been used for decades. They are the ones we are most common with, and despite how long they have been around, I believe that they are still effective. The location and ad-designs have both improved tremendously, so even if the persuasion is not evident, it plays a big role in repetition. Sometimes what influences us to make purchases is not necessarily one convincing/appealing advertisement, but a combination of advertisements to which we have been repeatedly exposed.

Print Advertisement

Pringles

Burger King

Billboard

Dunkin' Donuts

Domino's Pizza

Social Influences

Food Court at Erin Mills Mall

Entering the food court, I think that the social influence is not limited to being with friends. Upon further observation, I believe that the atmosphere in the food court is also an influence. By seeing other people and friend groups enjoying the food from the fast-food chains and socializing, we are also persuaded to do the same. This is interconnected with the psychological factors, since we are likely to associate the food court atmosphere with happiness, and a place where memorable moments are made. I would say that these emotions would be stronger for students at John Fraser and those at Gonzaga, since we have the means to go to the food court every day, therefore creating familiarity. At the top I have included some of my favorite menu items.

Subway

Turkey Sub

I have always been a big fan of Subway, because it offers one of the healthiest food options out of the other fast-food chains. In addition, it is a personalized sandwich, so you have the choice to omit any ingredients you do not want, or have more of an ingredient that has nutrients you lack.

Bourbon St Grill

Chicken & Rice Combo

KFC & Taco Bell

Chalupa Supreme

Popcorn Chicken

Jimmy The Greek

Chicken Souvlaki Pita

Aside from the food court at Erin Mills Mall, I thought that Tim Hortons should be in its own category because it is right at the entrance of the mall. In a way, it is also a marketing technique. Many students choose to buy food at Tim Hortons despite the long line-ups during rush hour because of the cheap price and due to the fact that it is the closest fast-food chain in sight. If students wish to eat lunch at the food court, they would still have to walk a few hundred extra meters. In addition, students can also conveniently buy a Tim's Rewards card to use the "pick-up" system and avoid waiting in line.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Timbits

Boston Cream Donut

My friend Karen and I often buy a donut from Tim Hortons after lunch as dessert. She has a big sweet tooth, and it has also influenced me to eat more sweets.

Potato Wedges

Friends

Food Court at Square One

When my friends and I go out on special occasions, we like to go to the Square One mall because there are a lot of stores to explore. Often, we plan to eat either lunch or dinner at the food court. Personally, I always choose to eat at a fast food restaurant, because that is what my friends choose as well. Another factor is that it has a larger variety of fast-food chains (many that are not available at the Erin Mills Mall). Above, I have attached my favorite fast-food chains at Square One, and the best menu items to order.

Amaya

Lamb Curry and Rice

Shanghai 360

Chinese Fried Noodles with Sweet and Sour Chicken

Szechuan Express

Rice-Meat-Vegetable Combo

Chipotle

Burrito Bowl

Social Events

Potlucks at Church

Before the pandemic started, I used to always attend the potlucks at my church. Each family would bring a few dishes, and it enforced a sense of community and belonging. Though it has been very long since I've gone to another potluck, the foods I was able to taste definitely influenced and still influences what I eat now. It helped me explore various foods that originate from China, and I started liking many of the dishes that I normally would not like when it was cooked at home.

Chinese Soup Dumpling

Green Onion Pancake

Stir Fry Glass Noodles

Chinese Pepper Steak

Food Association with Occasion

Picnic

Sandwiches

Mid-Autumn Festival

Mooncakes

Easter

Easter Chocolates

Thanksgiving

Turkey

Camping

S'mores

Psychological Factors

Food Habits

School

Some food habits that I have at school are that I go to Tim Hortons a lot, and I always eat lunch with my friends at the Erin Mill Mall's food court every Friday. As stated in the social influences section, Karen and I like to buy a donut as dessert for lunch. It is a habit for us, since there's usually nothing else interesting to do, so we like to walk around the mall after that. Regarding the food court, we alternate fast-food restaurants each week to try out a variety of menu items. By doing this, our parents don't have to pack lunch for one day of the week and we get to try foods from different cultures. So far, I have really liked the menu items from Jimmy The Greek, since they are relatively healthy.

Erin Mills Mall (Food Court)

Tim Hortons

Home

Some food habits that I have at home are that I prefer to eat alone while watching some sort of YouTube video, and that I only eat fruits when at home. With fruits, I think that it is very time consuming to prepare on school-day mornings. In addition, it isn't as fresh after being stored for a few hours in my backpack. This is especially true with fruits that are prone to oxidation (ex. banana, apple). As mentioned before in my food guide, I tend to eat alone during meals because my family's meal-times are never coordinated. To explain, my mom's parents would eat dinner at 4:30 PM, while my parents usually eat at 6 to 7 PM. It is in our best interest to eat at different times because everyone has different food habits. Lately, I am no longer as distracted by electronic devices during meal-times because my grandma (dad's side of family) occasionally eats with me, but I used to have a big problem with that. Eating alone is quite boring, so I always enjoyed having a video playing in the background as company.

Distraction

Fruit

False Hunger

Comfort

In a way, comfort foods correlate with our food habits as children along with cultural influence. Typically, the foods we love most when we are younger become the comfort foods we eat as adults. And, it is our cultural traditions as well as practices that determines what type of comfort food we eat. To illustrate this, I chose the Chinese tomato and egg noodles as an example above because my grandma (mom's side of family) always made me these noodles on the weekends. What made it memorable and comforting, was that she always used the traditional way by making the noodles and the sauce from scratch.

Strawberry Mochi

Chinese Tomato & Egg Noodles

Ice Cream Sandwich

Soy Milk

One cool thing about my family is that we always make our own soy milk. After washing and cleaning the soy beans, we just put it in the soy milk maker and add an appropriate amount of water. After it is ready, we just have to filter out the excess soy paste and throw out the chunks of grinded up soybeans from the side compartment. .

Reward & Punishment

For reward and punishment, I do not have anything to mention from my own experience, because I never really used food to punish or reward myself. However, I remember when I was in grade 7, my math tutor once talked about her daughter's time management skills. She mentioned that her daughter would plan study sessions and if she was very productive, she would reward herself with her favorite treats/snacks. Following this thought process, I attached some images of snacks I would ideally use as a reward for study motivation.

Choco Pie

Glico Pocky (Strawberry Flavour)

Doritos

Hershey's Cookies 'N' Creme

Association with Emotions

I think that many people, including myself, often associate eating certain foods when we are experiencing certain emotions. I remember when I was younger, I ate a lot of junk food out of boredom and because I was distracted by television entertainment. Now, I make sure that I am always doing some type of activity so that I will not have too much spare time laying around. As seen from the impacts of the pandemic, the extra time on people's hands caused many to overeat since we were usually all at school, or work.

Lonely

Spaghetti

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Happy

Steamed Buns

Spinach Cheese Rolls

Bored

Shrimp Flavored Cracker

Smartfood Popcorn

Sad

Coffee Crisp

Drumstick Ice Cream