Question

a) Define self-efficacy in the context of nutrition behavior.

b) 1. Discuss how food preferences, food choices, and food likes affect food selection.

c) Consider foods that contain the nutrients of which Americans need more (e.g., vitamin D, calcium, potassium, dietary fiber), along with foods that contain the nutrients Americans eat in excess (e.g., solid fats, added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fats). How do the Dietary Guidelines for Americans address these issues?

Answer 1

A. Self efficacy comes under health behaviour theory.it is a proximal and direct predictor of intention and of behaviour.as per social cognitive theory it pertains to a sense of control over ones environment and behaviour.

Nutrition related or dietary self efficacy- dieting, weight control and preventive nutrition can be governed by nutrition self efficacy beliefs.it has been shown to be a significant predictor of physical, social and self evaluative outcome expectancies regarding healthy nutrition.

B.food is a basic physiological need for every humans.several factors decides our food choices and preferences.first and foremost is

- biological factors- a. Sensory factors affect our food preferences are particularly how we perceive the basic tastes

b. Another biological factor influencing food preferences and food choice is human appetite control system.it has evolved to ensure that we are protected against nutrient shortages.

- psychological factors-a) most of our food preferences we learn from our experience with food.several learning experience with food cause differences in food preference and are highly individual.b) personality characterestics also affect consumer preference for food.

-society and culture- differences in food preferences across cultures also can be observed.

C.The dietary guidelines are designed to help Americans choose diets that Will meet nutrient requirements, promote health,support active lives and reduce the risk of chronic disease.