Vol. 13, Issue 5 (2024)

Author(s):
Juliana Maina

Abstract:
Nutrition possesses a significant impact on the incidence of chronic disease, with unhealthy diets being associated with a higher risk for obesity and overweight, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Dietary mannerisms are associated with many determinants. Nonetheless, other aspects, particularly emotional wellbeing of consumers, have been established to play a vital role in influencing individuals’ food choices. This paper explores how emotional elements of mood, stress, and nostalgia influence individuals’ choices of food. In general, negative or low mood bears a robust association with the consumption of unhealthy foods such as sugary and energy dense food choices. High levels of stress motivate consumers to avoid the consumption of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and instead focus on eating more unhealthy foods sch as fast foods, soft drinks, and other sugary foods. Nostalgia influences food choices in terms of deceasing people’s focus on unhealthy foods and increasing the eating of healthy foods.