Final answer:
Challenges for Chinese Americans to dietary compliance typically include difficulty controlling portion sizes and the use of calorie-dense ingredients. People may experience digestive issues when relocating due to changes in diet and preparation methods. Cultural and religious food proscriptions can also influence dietary practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
For Chinese Americans, challenges to dietary compliance typically include the 0inability to control portion sizes. Portion sizes in many restaurants and eating establishments have increased, and this trend is also present in home cooking. The concept of portion size can be culturally influenced, with some families considering larger portions a sign of hospitality or status. Another challenge is the increased use of SOFAS (solids fats and added sugars) which can make meals more calorie-dense. As people's lives become more sedentary, the number of calories and fat consumed does not match with the less active lifestyle, contributing to health issues like obesity and diabetes.
When people move from one region to another, they might experience temporary digestive upsets due to changes in water, the composition of food, spices, and the way food is prepared. These upsets may occur because their digestive systems have adapted to the specific bacteria and enzymes needed to digest their customary diet. A sudden change can disrupt this balance, leading to discomfort until the system adjusts.
Additionally, food proscriptions, such as religious dietary restrictions, can influence eating habits and pose challenges for compliance with standard dietary guidelines. These prescriptions can dictate what foods are consumed, how they are prepared, and when they are eaten.