You are what you eat. A saying that’s been around for a very long time. That doesn’t mean if you eat exclusively burgers, you’ll become one. What does it mean then? I believe it has to do with your upbringing. The many things you eat can explain social standing, places experienced, all the attributes to food and how it’s made can explain more about the person who eats them.
An easy example of what makes someone eat what they eat is religion. Buddhists tend to be vegetarians who may only eat fish. Meat is included in many dishes, so to rule them out drastically changes a diet. Compared to Muslims who abstain from all forms of alcohol. At younger ages this doesn’t mean much but makes a large cultural difference when opportunities present themselves. Or the other way around with Christians and communion when bread and wine are expected to be consumed for religious reasons.
Socrates said, “thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat.” In a socioeconomic light, some people have the choice to live to eat. Those who can’t afford this right, however, do not get this choice. They must use whatever they have the money for. There’s no steak nor pork, yet there’s bread, fish, and the occasional sale to try something new. Whereas the wealthier can live lavish lives with lavish meals of keto bread and imported cheeses. The wealthy you are, the more choices you have for meals.
With all, I believe that location has the greatest influence on what someone eats. Here in the United States, we may have burgers and hot dogs with an abundance of different pizzas with their own politics. While English people think beans and toast are the epitome of taste and Italy tries to protect their traditions with an iron fist. Japan and America wanting convenience in their meals to do other things whereas France can wait hours to make Lou Fassum. Our communities with their many unique dishes give entirely distinct experiences.
This and a plethora of other distinct demographics can affect someone’s food choice. Like when a mom uses the saying on their kid who only wants chicken nuggets. It’s common for kids to like foods such as chicken nuggets. When someone really likes Indian food, you could assume they like spicy foods because that’s how Indian food is viewed. Maybe not the best analogy, but it shows how we can learn things about someone by what they eat. Which in turn means you are what you eat. Not all of u can be made out by one dish. However, overtime life will change and so will the foods you choose to eat.