Critical Reflection on past experience with food, goals, in taking  module. 

Eating habits means to why and how people eat, which foods they prefer to eat, and with whom they like to take food. In every culture there are both acceptable and unacceptable foods. Like vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods.

Culture and religious influences people choice of food. In our culture for certain occasions we prepare variety of foods and invites neighbors and relatives. For these special occasions we usually have traditional foods. For example once we purchase new house or apartment we invite our neighbors and family members and celebrate the happiness. In 2013 when we changed our new apartment in Bukit Jalil Kuala Lumpur, we had dinner with many friends both Maldivian and other nationalities.

Religious prospective of some foods are prohibited. For instance, pork is prohibited for Muslims. Ramazan is another religious event where Muslims change their food choice during this holly month. The foods used in this month are different from other months. In this month people cook variety of delicious foods and it will be common in this month that people invites for ifthar (break fast) for each other’s house. Foods prepare for break fast and dinner (Tharaavees) is special than other months. Mainly all the people prepare foods on their home and the spending on food will be much higher compare to other months. The food wastage is also high in this month.

Every year students association of Maldives also conducts a special break fast in respective university for their students. Normal friends and family will be invited. Break fast organized by Asia Pacific University students held on 11 July 2015. Participates have to contribute for the break fast normally each has to bring one food item.

The modern development and globalization food industry now fast foods like pizza, burger etc. are more popular among people because they are tasty and available at convenient prices. I also personally like fast food items. But these fast foods are not good for health. The people need more awareness and health education in order to use healthy foods. Many food items we use daily are usually produced within the country or exported. We export the food products that are not available within the country.

Now days it’s very common and flexible to go restaurants and it becomes modern trend. Restaurants provide variety of foods and drinks at different price range. Some restaurants maintain the quality of their foods and services. But some restaurants they don’t maintain the quality standards and it directly affect to the health of customers.

My expectation on this module is, this module will provide in depth studies and researches base on numerous social factors that influence eating habits among different culture and different class. At the same time the development and trends in people eating habits in modern society.

More over module will focus on the food security and obesity. Adapting strategies to build healthier life style, policies and tools that ensure the foods are safe for customers. It also develops strategies to avoiding food crisis and using emerging technologies to deliver foods.