Contemporary Diet and Nutrition Resource Guide

Food Choices: Economics

Key Learning Points:
Key Learning point (1) The top three sources of groceries are supermarkets, supercenters, and farmers markets (Schlenker & Roth, 2011). Supercenters are often run by large chains, most are open 24 hours and they often have lower prices. Supermarkets tend to be smaller and more expensive. Farmers markets are one of the best ways to buy fresh and local produce as well as support local farmers. Key Learning point (2) A familys income influences food supply and food choices in two ways. Those who do not make much money cannot afford better quality foods and do not usually buy fresh foods because they spoil quickly. However, if they qualify for food stamps or WIC they might be better informed and make healthier choices because it is paid for. The WIC program also educates mothers on healthier food choices for themselves and their families. Families that have a higher income are better able to buy more foods that are healthier and are usually better educated on making healthy choices (Schlenkner & Roth, 2011).

Key Learning point (3) The economic factors that influence individual and family food needs and choices are access to education, credit and healthcare. People who are not properly educated tend to have lower paying jobs and will not buy quality foods. Low income families tend to by less expensive foods that do not provide the proper nutrition (Schlenker & Roth, 2011).

Resources
Website (1) http://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/ The U.S.D.A. Agricultural Marketing Service has developed a current listing of farmers markets throughout the United States and is updated on a regular basis. Website (2) http://www.investopedia.com/university/economics/economics3.asp The Economics Basics web site discusses the economic law of demand and supply as well as the price of goods, products and services. Website (3) http://www.housingworks.org/access/poverty.html The US Department for Health and Human Services gives a detailed guideline for poverty thresholds. Article, Essay or Book: http://www.euractiv.com/health/malnutrition-costsobesity/article-159951 EurActiv is a web site for an article about the effects of malnutrition on European citizens, particularly related to the elderly.

Tools: Software: Fooducate is an app that allows you to scan the barcodes of a product
you are interested in and it will highlight both the good and bad found in the product as well as giving you a healthier alternative. Fooducate allows you to see the stuff the manufacturers do not want you to see like excess sugar, additives, preservatives and trans fat.

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Key Learning Points:
Key Learning point (1) There are many major factors that have changed the role of nutrition in Americans overall health. They include changes in our food, increased food intake and less physical activity. All of these factors combined have contributed to the obesity epidemic (Schlenker & Roth, 2011). Key Learning point (2) Nutrition is the process of nourishing our body by the food we eat and how it enriches our lives physically, socially and personally. We are constantly nourishing our bodies from the moment of conception until the day we die. When we nourish our bodies with the appropriate supply of food we are supporting optimal growth and maturation, mental and physical well-being, as well resistance to disease (Schlenker & Roth, 2011) Key Learning point (3) The two major disciplines that provide the foundation for the study of nutrition are the behavioral sciences and the life sciences of biochemistry and physiology. Biochemistry and physiology help us understand how nutrition relates to us being in a good physical health condition while having the proper body functions (Schlenker & Roth, 2011).

Resources:
Web Site (1) www.cdc.gov The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site helps save lives, protect people and save money through prevention. It is a great resource to use to find a wide variety of health and safety topics. Web Site (2) www.healthfinder.gov The health finder web site is a reliable place to find health information such as locating a doctor or using interactive tools to check your health and get personalized advice. Web Site (3) www.usda.gov This web site is a great site for food and nutrition information and it can link you to other great resources for diet and nutrition. Article, Essay, or Book: Williams Essential of Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Chapter 1 This book talks about the study and role of nutrition in human health. Chapter 1 focuses on the obesity epidemic, the increased food supply and the lack of physical activity as well as the illnesses that come from malnourishment. Chapter 1 focuses on health promotion and list the dietary guidelines for Americans in 2010 (Schlenker, Roth 2011).

Tools:
Software: www.choosemyplate.gov

The Super tracker was one of the most helpful tools to record my food and physical activity. The web site allowed me to input all of my information and it then tells me what my caloric intake should be and if I am getting enough of each food group.

Genetically Engineered Food

Key Learning Points
Key Learning point (1) Agricultural biotechnology uses tools and techniques including traditional breeding techniques to alter living organisms, parts of organisms, to make or modify products; improve plants and animals; or develop microorganisms for specific agricultural uses (USDA, 2010). Today modern biotechnology includes the tools of genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Biotechnology allows farmers the capability to produce cheaper crops because they are engineered to be resistant to insects and plant diseases. Key Learning point (2) The government regulates genetically modified products through several different agencies. Two of the agencies that are responsible for monitoring genetically modified products are the APHIS and the FDA. There are eight guidelines that help the agencies evaluate the safety of GMOs. They include unexpected effects, known toxins, nutrients, new substances,

allergenicity, antibiotic resistance selectable markers, plants developed to make specialty nonfood substances and issues specific to animal feeds. Key Learning point (3) The roles of the government in agricultural biotechnology began being regulated in 1986 by the federal government. Guidance on experimental testing, approval and release are regulated by USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are regulated under one or more agency depending on their intended use (USDA, 2010).

Resources:
Website (1) http://www.bio.org

This web site discusses information related to the benefits and risks of genetically modified foods. Website (2) http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=BIOTECH&parentnav=A GRICULTURE&navtype=RT The USDA supports safe and appropriate use of science and technology, including biotechnology. The USDA plays a role in assuring that products produced using biotechnology are safe to be grown in the U.S. Website (3) http://www.sanofi.co.uk/l/gb/en/index.jsp Aventis CropScience discusses information about how genetic engineering of crops is being used in health and medicine.

Article, Essay or Book: Mother Earth News. THE THREATS FROM GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS focuses on the side effects of genetically modified food. GM foods first started eighteen years ago and ever since they have stirred up controversy about their safety.

Tools:
Software: Non-GMO Shopping Guide is an app that allows the consumer to find products that do not contain GMOs. The app also gives simple tips to avoid GMOs as well as questions to ask when dining out in order to avoid GMOs.