Evolution of My Own Eating Project - Case Study Example

due: Evolution of Eating Project Part I The requirements for this eating project was making a detailed food diary in which I would record my meals, their origins, ingredients, preparation and environment in which the food is consumed. The diary outlines my trends in my eating behavior, from which a discussion is to incorporate the environment from which the food is consumed. Monday Meal Breakfast: A cup of Kellogg’s Raisin Bran A glass of milk 1 fried egg Snack: KC Bar (Strawberries & Cream) (2 Oz./ 60 g) Lunch: Chicken McNuggets McCafé Strawberry Shake (Medium) Dinner: Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken Fruit N Yogurt Parfait Ingredients Whole grain wheat, rice, sugar, raisins, wheat bran, brown sugar syrup, almonds, glycerin, contains 2% or less of dextrose, salt, malt flavoring, cinnamon, honey, BHT for freshness. Protein Blend (Milk protein concentrate, partially hydrolyzed milk protein isolate), Isomaltooliogosaccharides (dietary fiber), Roasted Almonds, Vegetable Glycerin, water, Dried strawberries, Natural Flavors, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Stevia Wheat. Chicken McNuggets (4 pieces) Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream, Strawberry Shake Syrup, Whipped Cream, Maraschino Cherry Grilled chicken fillet, salad blend, southwest vegetable blend, cilantro lime glaze, shredded cheddar/jack cheese, chili lime Tortilla strips, lime Low-fat Yogurt (For Parfaits), Strawberries, Blueberries (For Parfait), Low Fat Crunchy Granola Setting Home School halls McDonalds McDonalds Source Supermarket (milk and egg, organic from free range farms) Bought online The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market Companions Siblings None Classmates Classmates Origin Kellogg’s industries Local free range farms Kill Cliff Industries McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) Preparation Mixed cereals in warm milk Shallow fried the egg None required Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Reactions The supermarket attendant informed me that the milk and eggs were delivered by a local farmer on everyday basis (0600 HRS), which I confirmed the following morning. Enquired about the energy bar’ ingredient sourcing and was referred to the website. Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Tuesday Meal Breakfast: Fruit & Maple Oatmeal Snack: KC Bar (Strawberries & Cream) (2 Oz./ 60 g) Lunch: Salad Blend A glass of water Dinner: BBQ Ranch Burger: Fruit N Yogurt Parfait Ingredients Oatmeal, Diced Apples, Cranberry Raisin Blend, Light Cream Protein Blend (Milk protein concentrate, partially hydrolyzed milk protein isolate), Isomaltooliogosaccharides (dietary fiber), Roasted Almonds, Vegetable Glycerin, water, Dried strawberries, Natural Flavors, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Stevia Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Spring Mix (May Contain Baby Red Romaine, Baby Green Romaine, Baby Red Leaf, Baby Green Leaf, Baby Red Swiss Chard, Baby Red Oak, Baby Green Oak, Parella, Lolla Rosa, Tango, Totsoi, Arugula, Mizuna, Radicchio, Frisee), Carrots Regular Bun, 100% Beef Patty, Pasteurized Process White Cheddar Cheese, Bbq Ranch Sauce, Chili Lime Tortilla Strips Low-fat Yogurt (For Parfaits), Strawberries, Blueberries (For Parfait), Low Fat Crunchy Granola Setting McDonalds School halls McDonalds McDonalds Source The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market Bought online The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market Companions None None Classmates Classmates Origin McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) Kill Cliff Industries McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) Preparation Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. None required Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Reactions Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Enquired about the energy bar’ ingredient sourcing and was referred to the website. Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Wednesday Meal Breakfast: A cup of Kellogg’s Fruit Loops A glass of milk 1 cup freshly blended juice cocktail Snack: 2 apples Lunch: Chicken Classic Sandwich McCafé Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie (Medium) Dinner: Premium Bacon Ranch Salad (without chicken) Strawberries Ingredients Sugar, whole grain yellow corn flour, wheat flour, whole grain oat flour, degerminated yellow corn flour, oat fiber, soluble corn fiber, contains 2% or less of vegetable oil (partially hydrogenated coconut, soybean and/or cottonseed, palm), salt, invert sugar, glycerin, dextrose, apple flakes, strawberry puree concentrate, natural flavor, modified corn starch, sodium citrate, cornstarch, citric acid, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, tricalcium phosphate, xanthan gum, mono- and diglycerides, DATEM, sodium alginate, red 40, blue 2, turmeric color, yellow 6, annatto color, blue 1, BHT for freshness, caramel color. Organic milk Assortment of fruits Whole fruit Crispy Chicken Fillet, Bakery Style Bun, Tomato Slice, Mayonnaise Dressing, Leaf Lettuce Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie Base, Ice, Low-fat Smoothie Yogurt Salad Blend, Grape Tomatoes, Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese, Bacon Bits Strawberries, Konjac Flour Setting Home School halls School Cafeteria McDonalds Source Supermarket (milk, organic from free range farms) Fruits from the farmers’ market Farmers’ market Sandwich ingredients were sought from the local supermarket. McDonald’s sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market Companions Siblings Friends Classmates Classmates Origin Kellogg’s industries Local free range farms and market Locally grown Home Ingredients sought from farmers’ market McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) Preparation Mixed cereals in warm milk Wash and Blend the fruits in a blender Washed and packed Washed, cut, baked, fried, packaged at home Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Reactions The supermarket attendant informed me that the milk and eggs were delivered by a local farmer on everyday basis (0600 HRS), which I confirmed the following morning. Framers stated they grew the fruits themselves Enquired about the source and farmers claimed they grew and harvested the plants from their farms Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Thursday Meal Breakfast: A cup of Kellogg’s Raisin Bran A glass of milk 1 fried egg Snack: KC Bar (Strawberries & Cream) (2 Oz./ 60 g) Lunch: Chicken McNuggets McCafé Strawberry Shake (Medium) Dinner: BBQ Ranch Burger: Fruit N Yogurt Parfait Ingredients Whole grain wheat, rice, sugar, raisins, wheat bran, brown sugar syrup, almonds, glycerin, contains 2% or less of dextrose, salt, malt flavoring, cinnamon, honey, BHT for freshness. Protein Blend (Milk protein concentrate, partially hydrolyzed milk protein isolate), Isomaltooliogosaccharides (dietary fiber), Roasted Almonds, Vegetable Glycerin, water, Dried strawberries, Natural Flavors, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Stevia Wheat. Chicken McNuggets (4 pieces) Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream, Strawberry Shake Syrup, Whipped Cream, Maraschino Cherry Regular Bun, 100% Beef Patty, Pasteurized Process White Cheddar Cheese, Bbq Ranch Sauce, Chili Lime Tortilla Strips Low-fat Yogurt (For Parfaits), Strawberries, Blueberries (For Parfait), Low Fat Crunchy Granola Setting Home School halls McDonalds McDonalds Source Supermarket (milk and egg, organic from free range farms) Bought online The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market Companions Siblings None Classmates Classmates Origin Kellogg’s industries Local free range farms Kill Cliff Industries McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) Preparation Mixed cereals in warm milk Shallow fried the egg None required Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Reactions The supermarket attendant informed me that the milk and eggs were delivered by a local farmer on everyday basis (0600 HRS), which I confirmed the following morning. Enquired about the energy bar’ ingredient sourcing and was referred to the website. Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Friday Meal Breakfast: Two pieces of vanishing oatmeal raisin cookies A glass of milk 1 boiled egg white Snack: KC Bar (Strawberries & Cream) (2 Oz./ 60 g) Lunch: Strawberry Shake (Medium) Dinner: Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken Fruit N Yogurt Parfait Ingredients 1/2 Cup(s) (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened 3/4 Cup(s) firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 Cup(s) granulated sugar 2 Eggs 1 Teaspoon(s) vanilla 1-1/2 Cup(s) all-purpose flour 1 Teaspoon(s) Baking Soda 1 Teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon 1/2 Teaspoon(s) salt (optional) 3 Cup(s) Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) 1 Cup(s) raisins. Protein Blend (Milk protein concentrate, partially hydrolyzed milk protein isolate), Isomaltooliogosaccharides (dietary fiber), Roasted Almonds, Vegetable Glycerin, water, Dried strawberries, Natural Flavors, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Stevia Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream, Strawberry Shake Syrup, Whipped Cream, Maraschino Cherry Grilled chicken fillet, salad blend, southwest vegetable blend, cilantro lime glaze, shredded cheddar/jack cheese, chili lime Tortilla strips, lime Low-fat Yogurt (For Parfaits), Strawberries, Blueberries (For Parfait), Low Fat Crunchy Granola Setting Home School halls McDonalds McDonalds Source Supermarket (milk and egg, organic from free range farms) Bought online The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market Companions Siblings None Classmates Classmates Origin Supermarket supplied products Local free range farms Kill Cliff Industries McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) Preparation Mixed ingredients as per recipe, baked and served the cookies Shallow fried the egg None required Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Reactions The supermarket attendant informed me that the milk and eggs were delivered by a local farmer on everyday basis (0600 HRS), which I confirmed the following morning. Enquired about the energy bar’ ingredient sourcing and was referred to the website. Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Saturday Meal Breakfast: Egg whites 2 Biscuits (Regular) A glass of milk Snack: 2 Oranges Lunch: Fruit N Yogurt Parfait Veggie Burger Dinner: Premium Bacon Ranch Salad (without chicken) Strawberries Ingredients 2 Eggs Tea biscuits Organic milk Whole fruit Low-fat Yogurt (For Parfaits), Strawberries, Blueberries (For Parfait), Low Fat Crunchy Granola Finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce Salad Blend, Grape Tomatoes, Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese, Bacon Bits Strawberries, Konjac Flour Setting Home School halls School Cafeteria McDonalds Source Supermarket (milk, and eggs organic from free range farms) Farmers’ market Sandwich ingredients were sought from the local supermarket. McDonald’s sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market The outlet sources the products from the farmers, independent suppliers, and farmers market Companions Siblings Friends Classmates Classmates Origin Supermarket bakery Local free range farms and market Locally grown Home Ingredients sought from farmers’ market McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) McDonalds (fresh produce from the market) Preparation Egg york and egg white separated and cooked (fried) Washed and packed Washed, cut, baked, fried, packaged at home Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Prepared by the outlet’s staff: Washed, cut, fried, mixed, packed, and more. Reactions The supermarket attendant informed me that the milk and eggs were delivered by a local farmer on everyday basis (0600 HRS), which I confirmed the following morning. Framers stated they grew the fruits themselves Enquired about the source and farmers claimed they grew and harvested the plants from their farms Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic Indicated it was the businesses policy to ensure its supplies are fresh and organic The McDonald’s Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken and Fruit N Yogurt Parfait dinner was most substantial in my diet. I enquired about the food’s preparation and sourcing of ingredients from the outlet’s manager. The manager was quick to respond that the company was proud of its organic sourcing policy and that contracted farmers are the source of the fresh farm produce. The manager stated that preparations of the food were done in-house, from scratch as the ingredients are brought straight from the farms. Part II Foraging and Eating Behavior In the evolution of man, education, trade, science, and technology influenced the lifestyle and culture of the people, as far as what was eaten. Different landmark changes in human history have altered the diet of the human beings such as the discovery of fire, and the Agrarian evolution. In most cases, the man was considered the gather and hunter in regards to food, depending on society while women prepared the food. The relationship between the gathered resources and the preparation process has changed with time and development of life easing technologies. In the agrarian revolution period, most of the food consumed was sourced from the farms, meaning it was fresh and readily available, but provided the conditions were favorable. The agrarian revolution presented a period in which the human being was able to cultivate land, and control the supply of water to the fields. Additionally, technology was used in food preservation, which made the availability of food much easier during the harsh seasons. The diet of the agrarian revolution period forms the foundation of today’s diets with elements such as wheat flour having been grinded using technologies such as the water turbine. Although technology was available, the degree of refinement differs from that of today’s technology (Montanari 56). As such, most of the processed foods, in the era, were usually whole grain foods. Food that was not grown was hunted or reared. Domestication of animals is common to the agrarian revolution era, and eating meat was an ongoing tradition. The men were responsible of the hunting and associated slaughtering and carving of the meat, while women prepared the food. Techniques such as roasting were common, and the food consumed in such a time was tender. The rate of decomposition associated with the diet during the agrarian revolution indicated consumption of pliable foods, which must have been prepared to improve on their taste and edibility. Greens from vegetables (wild and farmed), cereals (corn, wheat, beans, peas, lentils, and oats), and fruits are among the foods that were common in the agrarian revolution. Eating habits during the revolution were dictated by society, such that the male figure was associated with provision, as opposed to preparation. The children and females were associated with the preparation of the food as the society was biased towards male chauvinism. In the era, eating was viewed as a socializing time for the family, with trends such as waiting for the men to come from work and praying for the food together as a family being the norm of society. Specialization in food preparation followed gender as well as age, with the children being offered more palatable foods, to the adolescents and adults. Considering that the agrarian revolution was the onset of modern civilization, food outlets such as inns and motels became popular, although food prepared meals were treasured the most (Montanari 43). The food outlets were intended for the travelers and visitors to a region, people who did not have roots in a region, from which they could grow food and thus had to make purchases. Elements such as alcohol were distributed in taverns, in the context that they were celebratory, and were not prepared at home since mainly men partook in their consumption. There were differences in the fuel used, as well as the intended target, and the major difference between today and then is the level of industrialization. Discussion Comparing my diet and that of the agrarian revolution, there is one major distinction that arises, which is the type of food consumed. Most of my diet consists of industrial foods such as the breakfast cereals and energy bars. While most of my food is consumed at a restaurant, the agrarian era revolved around homemade foods. The food I consume is bought over the counter, prepared by other employees, and served per their standardized scale. The only option I have of my diet is choosing the food from the menu, and choosing whether to consume it or not. The food is also highly refined such that some parts of the ingredients are regulated, such as Sunflower Lethicin. Agrarian technology was not able to make such distinctions in products. My dining practices over the past five days have been tied to my schedule, as well as that of others in my social circle. Provided I have money, I can choose to eat from the restaurant or home. My practices are driven by the need to save time for my studies, and thus preparation of foodstuff is limited, the family lives in similar conditions and there is rarely anyone to prepare a meal in the home. The practice is mainly a quick fix diet, from morning to evening, except on Sundays, when the whole family is at home. The food setting I frequent is typical of today’s society. In most cases, people utilize the restaurants and fast food outlets for their meals. The setting is majorly commercial, and being part of the congregation demands purchase of a product. People in the space have a purpose of buying meals, and rarely engage in social interactions, except in the few cases where groups of people, who already know each other visit the premises. Most of the people in the establishment are strangers and do not interact freely, unlike the home experience where interactions are frequent. The establishment makes eating a necessity as opposed to a social convention. My family’s culinary traditions are rather vague, and the only traditions come about the holidays, but on Sundays, the family usually has a backyard barbecue. This is a tradition that my grandparents engaged in although back then neighbors were invited. The supplies are sourced from the local stores and market, just as my grandparents used to do. My grandparents, just as I, loved chicken prepared meals. I believe that I would go as far as five miles to get chicken. Fresh produce can be sourced from the local supermarket and farmers’ market, which are a walking distance away from my home. I feel that I cannot give up dairy products, mainly yogurt. It is a sign of progress that many of us consume highly processed foods, meaning that the day is filled with too much expectations that preparing a meal I hardly possible. Work Cited Montanari, Massimo. Food Is Culture. New York: Columbia University Press, 2006. Print. Read More