Research Paper On Cultural Nutrition Counseling

Josephine’s Culture

A typical Mayan meal includes corn, which is considered staple and is usually served as tortilla. This is indicated in Josephine’s meals, as she consumes tortilla for breakfast and dinner. Moreover, beef, turkey and chicken are the popular meats consumed in a typical Mayan cuisine. This is usually accompanied by rice or in some cases, beans. From analysis of Josephine’s meals, she consumes meat twice in two different meals, that is, during lunch and dinner therefore, indicating the influence her culture has over her food choices. Consequently, most Mayan traditional meals are prepared using specific measurement s of ingredients for instance; a specific amount of rice et cetera. Josephine also provides specifications regarding the measurement of ingredients that have to be used in preparation of her meal. This could indicate the influence of Mayan culture on Josephine’s food choices.
In order to establish a trusting relationship with Josephine, it would be important to understand her cultural background and its influence on her food choices. Having understood this, it would be crucial to engage Josephine is face-to face discussions, where she presents her opinion and I present my opinion regarding the influence of her food choices on her health using evidence from case studies and documented research. This would improve Josephine’s understanding on food choice and associated health impact.
One of the multicultural communication skills that I would apply in Josephine’s cases is listening and observation. It would be crucial to listen to Josephine and understand her perspective regarding food choices. Additionally, I would observe her eating habits i.e. food choices and how they affect her health. Cultural sensitivity is another multicultural skills that I would apply in Josephine’s case, basically attempting to understand the influence of her culture and how it affects her food choices. I would also build a relationship, through face-to-face sessions with Josephine in order to ensure proper communication.

Reference

Food in Every Country. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-to-Japan/Guatemala.html