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Religious Food Traditions 27

When ethnic groups do not have access to their Religious Food Traditions
traditional foods, they may need advice on how to
choose a balanced, nutritious diet from the vast Within each religious grouping, families decide
array of foods available in the UK. However, which food traditions to adopt. In some families
motivation to seek professional advice is low in one parent may observe certain food traditions
many ethnic groups. Factors that influence the while the other parent may not. Some common
uptake of nutritional advice are complex. Those in traditions are listed in Table 1.3.2.
the lower socio-economic groups are less likely to
follow advice if they have a lower educational Fasting
attainment or are affected by poverty.
Most religions have a tradition of fasting (i.e.
A community worker, health professional or not eating any food or excluding certain foods)
facilitator who is trusted and recognized and who for particular periods of time (Table 1.3.3).
speaks the language can improve the outcome of Pregnant women and young children are
nutritional interventions (Stockley et al. 2009). usually exempt from fasting, however, some
pregnant women may choose to observe these
Activity 2 practices.

Make a list of the main barriers to healthy Religious festivals
eating for the ethnic groups in your area.
Celebratory meals and specific foods are often
Activity 3 eaten at festival times, as shown in Table 1.3.4.
Dates of festivals are approximate as they are often
Make a list of factors that reduce motivation of based on lunar calendars.
ethnic families to seek professional advice on
healthy eating.

Table 1.3.2 Common food traditions within religions

Religion Food tradition
Buddhist and Jains
Christian No meat or fish because of the belief of non-violence to all forms of life
Jewish
Meat not eaten on Fridays
Orthodox Jewish
Hindu No pork
Only fish with fins or scales
Muslim Milk and milk products not served with meat

Rastafarian Kosher meat and milk products
Sikh
No beef or beef products because cow is sacred
Pork often avoided also as considered unclean
Only fish with fins and scales
Some are vegetarians

No pork. Other meats are halala
No alcohol
Hand and feet washing before meals

Sometimes vegan or no pork or shellfish

No pork and sometimes no beef
Vegetarianism is common
No alcohol

a Halal meat is from an animal that has been ritually slaughtered by being blessed and allowing the blood to
drain – usually after the animal is stunned.