Understanding traditional and modern eating: the TEP10 framework
Date
2019-12-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Public Health
Abstract
Across the world, there has been a movement from traditional to modern eating, including a movement of
traditional eating patterns from their origin culture to new cultures, and the emergence of new foods and eating
behaviors. This trend toward modern eating is of particular significance because traditional eating has been related
to positive health outcomes and sustainability. Yet, there is no consensus on what constitutes traditional and
modern eating. The present study provides a comprehensive compilation of the various facets that seem to make
up traditional and modern eating. Specifically, 106 facets were mentioned in the previous literature and expert
discussions, combining international and interdisciplinary perspectives. The present study provides a framework (the
TEP10 framework) systematizing these 106 facets into two major dimensions, what and how people eat, and 12
subdimensions. Hence, focusing only on single facets of traditional and modern eating is an oversimplification of
this complex phenomenon. Instead, the multidimensionality and interplay between different facets should be
considered to gain a comprehensive understanding of the trends, consequences, and underlying factors of
traditional and modern eating.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Traditional eating, Modern eating, Conceptual framework, Dietary change, Western diet