Alimentación salud y cultura - SANHISO C. International health and ...

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Diversos autores
Plate size
Another theme which emerged from the research was the issue of
plate size and this was rather unexpected as, although research has
been conducted into its effects in the USA (Rolls et alii, 2007; Wansink
et alii, 2005), it was not predicted that this is something which
the public would be conscious of. Participants in the focus group
discussed how they felt that plate sizes had increased and how this
directly affected food consumption. Participants discussed an awareness
and personal experience of a link between portion size and consumption
with some sharing with the group that they purposefully
used smaller plates when dieting although research by Rolls et alii
(2007) found that reduction in plate size did not significantly affect
energy intake in the way that increased plate size does. This issue
was also identified by participants in the website forum threads who
felt that the ‘fashion’ of larger plate size was something which had
emerged in restaurants and subsequently carried over into the domestic
environment because of its ‘feel of affluence and confirmation of
success’ (Male, aged 46-55, Website Forum Contributor). This opinion
echoes others about oversized food portions originating in restaurants
and also links with participants’ beliefs that increased consumption
is symbolic of status, luxury and achievement.
‘Waste not, Want not’
The notion of waste was often referred to by participants throughout
the period of study. The slogan ‘Waste Not, Want Not’ was introduced
to Britain during the war years by the Ministry of Food, and refers to
a national drive which encouraged people to be frugal and thrifty
with all resources and was specifically adopted by the nation in relation
to food wastage. Participants in the focus group discussed how
this mentality was readily adopted and in particular among mothers,
as a means to ensure that children consumed everything presented
to them, which was vitally important during the period of rationing.
This notion becomes problematic however when implemented in a
food secure context, even more so in an environment deemed to be
obesogenic. As one would expect the discussions of this slogan were
most prevalent among focus group participants, who felt strongly that