Good food habits are easily acquired in youth, and it is more difficult to change the habits of people later in life. Perhaps you have found some of your food habits should be improved, or maybe you can help someone in your family or a friend to improve his. The following suggestions may be helpful.

1. A change in food habits is indicated only if the present habits lead to poor nutrition. Remember that persons who have good food habits need not like every nutritious food. Also, it is not necessary to omit all foods that are poor sources of the nutrients.

2.   Find out what reasons are most likely to appeal to the individual. Boys are often motivated on the basis of growth in stature, physical vigor, and ability in sports. The teenage girl, on the other hand, desires a slim figure to be in the latest fashion, or a clear skin and glossy hair. Neither boys nor girls are likely to be interested in the promise of health or of a good old age, but they might like to impress their friends with their cosmopolitan tastes in food. Older people, on the other hand, are interested in weight control from the standpoint of health or for diet control of some disease problems.

3.   Look at the whole diet pattern -not just at one meal pattern or the snacks. List the good points of the diet as well as the weaknesses. Start with the good points for building a better pattern.

4.   Be realistic in what can be accomplished. Expect only small changes at the time. Make allowances for strong likes and dislikes. Don’t suggest foods that are too expensive, hard to get, or contrary to one’s beliefs.

5.   Encourage the individual to become adventurous in trying new foods at home or when eating out.

6.   Provide practical suggestions for preparing foods in attractive ways.

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GENERAL HEALTH