Food choices and needs

All human beings are unique and we all eat and drink different things.

• In the world today, we have a huge variety of food and drinks to choose from.
• What we eat and drink is known as our diet.
• Diets can vary because of how our bodies work, our religion or our cultural choices.

In this article you can learn:

• why we all eat different food
• about different food allergies
• what a food intolerance is
• how religious beliefs affect food choices
• how culture can affect food choices

This resource is suitable for Health and Wellbeing for primary school learners.

In this video, we visit the supermarket to find out how different things can affect our food choices and needs, such as allergies, intolerances, religious beliefs and culture.

• Some people have food allergies.
• Our immune system defends our bodies from bacteria and viruses. It tries to stop us from getting really unwell and helps us get better if we become ill.
• A food allergy is when our immune system reacts badly to a particular food. These can be dangerous and make people unwell.
• Allergies are very common and people can be allergic to a whole range of different things.
• The most common food allergies are dairy milk, nuts, eggs, fish (especially shellfish) and gluten.
• People with food allergies must completely avoid these foods to keep feeling well. However, there are many other options if you have to avoid some foods.

• Being allergic to milk is quite common.
• Many products we eat are made from dairy milk, like cheese, butter or ice-cream.
• There are lots of dairy-free options for people who can't eat them.
• Some examples include milk made from different plants such as: soy, oats, coconuts, rice and almonds.

• Many people have an allergy to gluten.
• Gluten is a protein which can be found in lots of our everyday foods.
• It is found in food products made from grains, such as bread, biscuits and pasta.
• There are many gluten-free versions of foods for people who cannot eat it.

• A food intolerance is different from a food allergy.
• Food intolerances are less serious and won't cause life threatening symptoms.
• They can affect digestion and cause uncomfortable symptoms like headaches or a bloating stomach.

People with coeliac disease must be very careful not to eat gluten. Even a tiny amount of gluten can damage their digestive system.

It is very important that the food they eat isn't contaminated with gluten when it is processed, cooked or served.

People who follow a religion usually have a specific set of beliefs. Some of those beliefs might change the type of food they eat. For example:

• Kosher is a set of rules about how to prepare and eat food following Jewish teachings. Meat has to be prepared in particular ways and dairy and meat products have to be kept completely separate.
• Halal is the name given to foods that are allowed according to Islam. Some foods need to be prepared and eaten in a certain way following Islamic teachings.
• Many Hindus avoid eating beef as part of their beliefs.

Along with a health requirements or a religious belief, we may also choose to follow a certain diet for other reasons.

Many people choose to follow a specific diet for a whole range of reasons, including protecting the environment and animal welfare.

Common examples include:

• Vegetarians do not eat any meat.
• Vegans do not eat meat or any food product that has come from an animal, like cheese and milk.
• Pescatarians eat fish but do not eat meat.

• The next time you are in the supermarket, look out for sections that offer choices for different diets. Can you find the gluten-free section or vegan options?
• Using the internet with the help of an adult, research where to buy halal or kosher food in your local area.