What does the term 'dietary patterns' encompass?

The term 'dietary patterns' refers to the overall approach to eating that includes the types and quantities of foods consumed, the timing of meals, and the variety of foods included in a person's diet over time. It encompasses a broad range of factors, including cultural influences, which play a significant role in determining meal times and food choices.

Cultural factors can shape dietary habits by influencing which foods are available, how they are prepared, and when they are consumed. For instance, communal meals may be a staple in some cultures, while in others, there may be specific times designated for breakfast, lunch, or dinner based on cultural traditions. This means that dietary patterns are not simply about individual choices but are heavily influenced by the social and cultural context in which a person lives.

The other options are more limited in scope. Individual preferences for high-calorie foods focus primarily on personal taste but do not capture the broader idea of dietary patterns. Strict adherence to fad diets represents a specific and often temporary eating strategy, rather than a holistic view of diet. Lastly, the exclusive use of packaged meals refers to a particular way of eating that lacks variety and cultural context, which again does not fully represent the comprehensive nature of dietary patterns.