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Charlie Baca
Kaplan University
DIVERSITY OF FOOD CHOICES 2
Diet is a very important part of all of our lives. Not just how it is related to our health, but
our cultural back rounds. The food dishes that we eat can say a lot about us. Where we are from,
our social class and how healthy we may or may not be. Even with how easy it has become to
acquirer foods from all over the world, this is still the case.
In this paper, I will show how important our diets are and what it is that they say about
us.
Chapter 1
Defining Diet and Nutrition- A diet is described as a: food and drink considered in terms of its
qualities, composition, and its effects on health (Dictionary.com, 2015). In order for individuals
to understand the main elements of diet and nutrition, one needs to be educated on the practical
application of diet. This needs to come from us. We need to be able to clearly get these key
points of the importance of diet and nutrition across to our clients. Not only is it our job, it is our
The Role of Diet and Nutrition- Nutrition needs to be thought of more than just consuming in
order to survive. This is the big issue in our time and age. Because of this, the obesity rate has
skyrocketed. Food needs to be assessed and consumed based on its qualities. Our food choices
will have a big impact on our lives. Socially, physically, and mentally. Bad diet, bad health.
Basic Food Groups- Our foods can be broken down into four groups. Milk; vegetables and
fruits; eggs, meat, poultry, or fish (sometimes dried beans or peas); and a fourth category that
included bread, cereal, cookies, and cakes (Nestle/Marion, 2013). The purpose of these
categories is to help individuals to eat better. Every rounded diet requires you to eat so much
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from each of these groups. These groups can help individuals to identify where their groups fall
Online Tools- Here are a few websites that will help with achieving nutritional and diet goals:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute- This site is a great source for anything health
related. How to stay healthy, how to treat common illnesses, and how to find health
professionals. The link I will be sharing from this site will teach you about portion control. It will
also show food portions through the years to help you gain a better understanding of our health
Link: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/eat-right/distortion.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - This site is very similar to the site I have
shared above. It is great reference tool for anything health related. The site is updated constantly
in order to help you keep up with the current health trends and disease and control prevention
around the world. I will be sharing a link to this site that gives information about obesity in
adults and children. This link will help to give a brief history of obesity and how to prevent it.
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/
Chapter 2
Food Choices- We all have the ability to choose. We all have the ability to choose something
that may be bad for us, or to choose something that is good for us. We are the ones that have to
live with whatever the outcome is. Whether it may be good or bad. The same thing is applied
when it comes to our food choices. Bad food choices over a period of time will eventually catch
up with us. It can create a countless number of health problems. Our food choices also heavily
depend on the price or the part of the world that we live in.
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Food Habits- Our food habits will also heavily rely on price and where we are from. These
habits are formed after consistently having the same foods to choose from. Another reason for
these habits to form, is through trial and error. We will consume foods that are easy to grow,
readily available, reasons pertaining to our individual health, and that are the least expensive.
Agriculture and Farming Practices- Agricultural and farming practices do not have as big of
an impact on our food choices and habits has they once had. With todays markets and easy
ability to travel, our food choices have greatly increased. What we cannot grow in our own
countries can be imported from others. The only thing that seems some of us from these
Online Tools- Here are some websites with more information on healthy food choices and
habits:
Growing a Nation- This is an educational site that will give you the history of Americas
agriculture through the years. I believe in order for us to make healthy food choices, we first
need to know where the food came from and how it was grown.
Link: http://www.agclassroom.org/gan/index.htm
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) The purpose of this site is to give
science based information on health, nutrition and food safety for the public good (IFIC, 2015).
This site is also a good source or information on food labeling and ingredients.
Link: http://www.foodinsight.org/
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) The purpose of this site is to inform the
American people about food health, safety and regulations. This site also gives information on
Link: http://www.usda.gov
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Chapter 3
Economics of Food- Food is a big business. The idea is to have low food cost in order to make
sales, but not low enough to not make money. Because of the overabundance of food in America,
we are able to have lower food costs as compared to other parts of the world.
Societal Influences- Even with the lower food costs that we have in America, healthy and better
quality foods are expensive. Not only for the consumers, but for the growers. For this reason, fast
food chains have been able to target lower income families with their less healthy food.
Causes of Hunger and Malnutrition- Even in America this is a problem. There is not a
shortage of food. The reasoning for these issues is the high cost of healthy foods, and the fast
food industries targeting lower income families with their products. We do not have enough food
programs that can help eliminate these problems from getting even worse.
Online Tools- Here are a few sites that can provide more information on food economics,
Investopedia- This site can help to provide you with more information on supply and demand in
Link: http://www.investopedia.com
Oregon State University (OSU) On this site, you will find an article entitled: Eat Well for
Less. This article is great source of information on how it eat well while on a budget.
Link: http://orgenstate.edu
EurActiv.com- This is a health site that covers many different topics pertaining to health. The
article Malnutrition costs more than obesity, cover the issue of malnutrition that is becoming
Link: http://www.euractiv.com
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Chapter 4
Food Poising and Infection- Food poisoning is a common, yet distressing and sometimes life-
threatening problem for millions of people in the U.S. and throughout the world (WebMD,
2014). It is important that you know where you are getting your food from and to read the labels
on prepackaged foods. Prepacked foods may last longer than fresh foods, but they will not last
forever. It is important to look for expiration dates and know how to properly store foods. This
two simple things can help to prevent food poising and infection.
Forms of Transmission- Contamination of food can happen at any point during its production:
growing, harvesting, processing, storing, shipping or preparing (Mayo Clinic, 2014). There are
many different ways for transmission. A few are: person to person, unsanitary processing
conditions, improper storage of foods, and improper handling of foods. That is just to name a
few. It is always important that you prepare, handle and store foods properly.
Prevention Practices- A few ways to help prevent food poisoning are: keeping hands and
utensils clean, keep raw foods from coming into contact with already prepared foods, prepare
foods to a safe temperature, freeze or refrigerate foods in a timely manner, and throw out any
foods that you may have second thoughts about (Mayo Clinic, 2014).
Online Tools- Here are a few helpful links with more information on food contamination and
prevention.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - This site will give you more information about the
EPA which is responsible for the regulation of pesticides and water quality.
Link: http://www.epa.gov/
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) This site will provide you with
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/
Chapter 5
Genetically Engineered Food- Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from
organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur
naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism (WHO, 2015).
Benefits of Genetically Engineered Food- A few benefits of genetically engineered food are:
plants that are resistant to weeds and illness, bigger yields, foods that required less pesticides,
increased size of foods, better taste, longer shelf life, and a more sustainable way to feed the
world.
Possible negative impact of Genetically Engineered Food- Animal toxicity studies with
certain GM foods have shown that they may toxically affect several organs and systems (Dona,
2009). I personally think some of the negative side effects of GM foods have been ignored
because of all the benefits. The main concern of most people is the long term side effects of this
process. Studies have not been conducted long enough in order to see if some of the current
health issues are caused by these foods. Testing in animals has shown these negative side effects.
If animals are being harmed because of these foods, why wouldnt we have the same issues?
Online Tools- Here are a few sites that will give further information on GM foods. With these
sites, you can choose for yourself if you are for or against GM foods.
BIONET- This is an interactive site that provides further information on GM foods. Gives
Link: http://www.bionetonline.org/
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Biotechnology Industry Organization (Bio) These site will provide with information from
both sides. Gives you the option to choose for yourself if you are for or against GM foods.
Link: https://www.bio.org
Sanofi- This site provides you with information about the positive outcomes of GM foods and
Link: http://www.sanofi.co.uk/
Chapter 6
What is Organic Food?- Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown
without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified
organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do
Benefits of Organic Foods- Here are a few of the benefits of eating organic foods: contains
fewer pesticides, organic food is often fresher, organic farming is better for the environment,
organic foods are GMO free, and organically raised animals are free from antibiotics and growth
hormones.
Can organic foods be detrimental? - There are some that could say that eating organic may be
harmful to you. Why would we modify our foods or put chemical on them if there were going to
purposely harm us? Without treating our foods, we are subjecting ourselves harmful pests and
illnesses that can be carried in our foods. People are at odds with organic foods just as much as
they are with GM foods. I will help to provide you with information so you can decide on your
own.
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Online Tools- Here are a few sites that will provide you with more in-depth information on
Organic Consumers Association- This site will give you a comparison of organically raised
Link: https://www.organicconsumers.org
Soil Association- This site will give you information on how organic foods are raised and
handled in Europe.
Link: http://www.soilassociation.org/
Slate- This site will provide you with information about the possible detrimental effects of
organic foods.
Link: http://www.slate.com/
Chapter 7
people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade
World Food Markets and Impacts of Globalization- The current issues with the world food
markets are the high costs of foods and the financial crisis that most countries are currently in.
Most of us do not want (or just cannot afford), to spend a large amount of money on food. These
healthy high quality foods are expensive. If most of the people within the country cannot afford
to buy certain foods, there is no need to ship or trade them. It is a losing battle for all involved.
Global Food Sales- There are several reasons for the fall of global foods sales. The biggest issue
is the high cost of good quality food. Most people just cannot afford them. Even here in America.
It is expensive to eat well. Prices on these foods have increased with this current health trend that
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is moving across our nation. Fast food industries are also feeling the issue. The current health
trend is cutting their sales down globally. Fast food chains are closing their doors around the
world.
Online Tools- Here are a few links that can help provide you with information on the current
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) This site will provide you
with information on the FAOs perspective of the current world food markets.
Link: http://www.fao.org/
World Trade Organization- This site will give you information on the current trade in the
Link: https://www.wto.or
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs- This site will provide you with
global information on several different subjects that are affecting global populations and
interests.
Link: https://www.un.org
Chapter 8
The World of Weight Loss- With the current health trend sweeping the world, weight loss has
become very popular. Almost to the point that it may be harming some of us. There is no
problem with eating healthy and staying active. The issue comes on how people decide to do it.
The individual that chooses these harmful ways to lose weight cannot be totally to blame. There
are several companies out there that are pushing products that can be more harmful than good.
Weight loss programs- There are many different weight loss programs out there. So many that
it is hard to choose. Everyone reacts to these diet changes differently. What may work for one,
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may not work for another. Some may be able to diet without exercise and others may not.
Something else to keep in mind is there are programs out there that will make outrageous claims
about their programs. The best thing to do is speak to your doctor or a healthcare professional
Alternative Weight Loss Options- During your weight loss journey, you may find that you
want to stay away from the current perspective of health and weight loss. You might want to do
something that has a more natural approach to weight management. People were trying to
manage their weight way before all of these programs and supplements were created. There are
many different herbal supplements that you may find have the same results as these protein
powders and weight loss pills have, without all of the harmful effects. I would also suggest
speaking to your doctor or a healthcare professional before going and exploring these options on
your own.
Online Tools- Here are a list of sites that may help assist you when looking into weight loss
options.
Medline Plus- This site will help to give you answers about health, weight loss and information
Link: https://www.nlm.nih.gov
WebMD- This site will help to answer any questions that you have related to health as well as
Link: http://www.webmd.com/
Better Health- This site will provide with information how different countries like Australia
Link: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
DIVERSITY OF FOOD CHOICES 12
Chapter 9
round. Everyone one of us has a different perspective about health even though we may be from
the same country. There are some things we will agree on or not agree on when it comes to
health. What may work for some of us, will not work for others. In order for us to help
individuals form different cultures and back rounds, we need to understand where they come
from in order for us to properly assess how to assist them in their journey of health.
Diversity in Food Choices- Depending on where we are from, our ethnic background, or what
food choices are available to us, will be a determining factor on what we eat. I personal believe
ones cultural background will have a lot do with if they eat healthy or not. Before it was so easy
to have access to as much of the world as we do now, people had to eat whatever they could
grow or find. This is still the case in some countries. Whether it is good or bad does not matter.
Online Tools: Here is a list of sites that will give you more information on the diversity of food
Ohio State University- This universities site will give you information on a countless amount of
subjects. The link to this site I will be sharing will give you information on health food choices
Link: http://ohioline.osu.edu/
Ask the Dietitian- This site will give you answers about nutrition related questions, training and
Link: http://www.dietitian.com/
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Appendix A:
Food Choices
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The most notable difference between my diet and the guidelines would be that I do not
monitor my diet. I do not track how many calories that I am consuming and I do not track the
individual food groups for each of my meals. The dietary guidelines explain how important that
this is to do. I think that this is important depending on what your health goals are. My goal is to
be as muscular and as lean as I can be. That is why I do not track my calories. I try to pack in as
many healthy calories that I can into one day. Some days it is a lot, and some days it is not.
What were the major influences on your food choices and your physical activity? For
example, were you influenced by family, the media, health reasons, etc.?
The biggest influence on my physical activity would have to be the time I spent in the
military. It was very important to be as physically healthy as possible. You wanted to make sure
and probably my own personal study. I like to do my own research and try things out to see if
they work. Everyone processes diets and supplements differently. I think everyone should
conduct their own study and find what diets and supplements may or may not work for them.
What improvements could be made in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines to help consumers
overcome barriers to choosing healthy foods and engaging in regular physical activity?
I think that the charts and graphs need to be explained a bit more. I can see people
becoming confused with them. There are a lot of percentages thrown around. I think that it would
be a bit easier if examples were given. Instead of having a graph saying that so many percent of
your diet should be of a particular vitamin or food source, give examples of certain foods that
contain them and how much can be consumed of them in one day.
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I also think examples of exercise can be given. There is no examples of exercise or workouts. I
feel that this would help individuals that were just starting out in living a healthy lifestyle.
Appendix B:
Dietary habits in the Mexican/American Culture: Data from the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002 indicate that prevalence of overweight and obesity
continues to rise among Mexican Americans (Carrera, 2007). A typical Mexican diet will
usually of complex carbohydrates such as corn and corn products, beans, rice, and bread. Protein
in this type of diet will be provided by: beans, eggs, fish and poultry. Most individuals from this
type of background typically stick with this type of diet. Because of this diet of mostly high
intakes of legumes and fibers, result in high cholesterol. Because of these dietary habits, it has
been found that Mexican/Americans have a higher BMI and waist circumference values.
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References:
http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/ff_cont3.htm
Are Organic Foods Right for You? Understanding the Benefits of Organic Food and the Risks of
eating/organic-foods.htm
https://www.organicconsumers.org/old_articles/Organic/orgbetter050902.php
Diagnosis and Management of Foodborne Illnesses --- A Primer for Physicians and Other Health
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5304a1.htm
Eating Organic may be Harmful---The Truth Behind Organic Produce. ~ Doug Smith | elephant
may-be-harmful-the-truth-behind-organic-produce-doug-smith/
http://www.investopedia.com/university/economics/economics3.asp
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.fao.org/home/en/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/basics/causes/con-
20031705
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http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/food-poisoning
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/basics/prevention/con-
20031705
https://classes.soe.ucsc.edu/cmpe080e/Spring05/projects/gmo/benefits.htm
http://kaplan.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780520955066/
Health risks of genetically modified foods. - PubMed - NCBI. (2009). Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18989835
IFIC Foundation - Your Nutrition and Food Safety Resource. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.foodinsight.org/
http://www.euractiv.com/health/malnutrition-costs-obesity/article-159951
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/aboutmedlineplus.html
Nestle, Marion. (05/2013). Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/
http://www.sanofi.co.uk/l/gb/en/index.jsp
Serving Sizes and Portions, Eat Right, NHLBI, NIH. (2013). Retrieved from
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/eat-right/distortion.htm
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2006/03/is_whole_foods_wholesome.html
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome
UN DESA | United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2015). Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
http://www.who.int/topics/food_genetically_modified/en/
WTO | GATT and the Goods Council - gateway. (2015). Retrieved from
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/gatt_e/gatt_e.htm
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