Acculturation changes in the frequency of use of selected Canadian and oriental foods were demonstrated in a group of first and second generation Chinese adolescent immigrants. Changes in dietary patterns with acculturation reflected incorporation of new and rejection of some traditional foods. Diet components used on a weekly or monthly basis were more susceptible to change relative to the core or daily foods such as staple cereals. The second generation subjects and those with more accultured patterns of langugage use, incorporated a number of highly processed foods into their diets, while reducing their food variety mainly in the vegetable food group. The results suggest that an immigration diet westernization may have nutritionally undesirable effects. © 1985 Pergamon Press Ltd.

Food habits Chinese Acculturation Immigration Adolescence

social aspect China habit priority journal diet psychological aspect digestive system human