Contemporary Diet and Nutrition Topics

and Resources
1
st
Topic
Genetically Engineered Food
Genetically engineered food is done through the process of biotechnology. Biotechnology
takes place using DNA technology, genetic engineering, and tracers. Genetically engineered
products are responsible for at least half of Americas crops. It also plays a role in preventing
world hunger. When it comes to genetically modified food plants there are three primary goals
that they strive to achieve. One of the goals is to act as an insecticide and help resistance
towards insects and disease. The second goal is to help the crops make it through difficult
weather conditions. The third is to improve and increase nutritional value. Like everything,
there are always going to be pros and cons. There are some negative effects that are being
researched in genetically engineered food. One is that it might have some environmental hazards
and that it might eliminate good insects as well as bad.
Resources:

Bionet. (2012). Future Food. Retrieved on September 30, 2012 from
http://www.bionetonline.org/

o This website is all about future food meaning genetically engineered crops
and food. It covers what it is all about, the science behind it, and the pros
and cons.

Biotechnology Industry Organization. (2012). Food and Agriculture. Retrieved on

October 2, 2012 from http://www.bio.org/

o This website is really your biotechnology information headquarters.
Everything that you need to know about plant biotechnology and animal
biotechnology.

United States Department of Agriculture. (2012). Biotechnology. Retrieved on
October 1, 2012 from http://www.usda.gov/
o This is good place to go for data and statistics about biotechnology. It also
has some frequently asked questions, and a biotechnology glossary that
comes in very handy.

Anderson, L. (1999). Genetic Engineering, Food and Our Environment.

o This book is all about genetic engineering and whether or not it is a good
thing or is the government putting our environment and health at risk.

My Fitness Pal. (2012). Free Calorie Counter. Retrieved on September 29, 2012 from
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
o This is a weight loss website used to help you track your calories that way
you are aware what is going into your body. There are testimonials about
what is working for some people. There is also a blog and a community
tab where you can get some support and encouragement.
2
nd
Topic
The Organic Food Movement
There are several benefits to organic foods but just because it says all natural or organic
doesnt always mean that it is organic. When buying organic you need to look for the USDA
Organic label. The United States Department of Agriculture ensures that food producers that
label their food organic are growing their food products appropriately. There is a common
debate over the differences of organic versus conventional farming. Organic farming uses less to
no pesticides. There are other environmental hazards that conventional farming poses that
organic doesnt. Fertilizer is one of those hazards, it may get the job done but it also kills certain
soil organisms. There are several factors that cause someone to buy or pass when it comes to
organic food. The biggest for me is the cost difference. Just in produce alone it can have cost
more than one dollar a pound for the same item one is organic and one is conventional that adds
up quick. Some other factors are environmental growth purposes, the quality and appearance of
the food, also the fact that conventional farmers use pesticides.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic. (2012). Nutrition and Healthy Eating. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
o This is a great website when you are comparing the difference between
conventional and organic farming. It also compares the differences
between natural and organic.

Organic Consumers Association. (2012). Retrieved on September 30, 2012 from
http://www.organicconsumers.org/
o This website has several stories and articles from all over the country that
are published for people that eat and buy organic products.

Slate. (2006). Is Whole Foods Wholesome? Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from
http://www.slate.com/
o This website takes an in depth look at organic and whole foods. It really
dissects it and looks at the good and the bad that it offers.

Nestle, M. (2007). Food Politics. University of California Press.

o This is a really great book, and it gives good incite to all the politics of
food. In this book you gain a good perspective on health and nutrition and
how it is influenced by the food industry.

Health e Human. (2012). Diet and Nutrition Planner. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from
http://www.healthehuman.com/
o I have not tried this tool yet but it looks great. There are all different kinds
of trackers to include a food tracker, activity tracker and even a cholesterol
tracker. One thing that I really like about it is that you can add in your
own custom recipes. It is by far the most detailed weight loss tool that I
have seen.
3
rd
Topic
Contemporary Weight Loss Programs
Two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese and yet Americans spend over 30 billion
dollars a year in weight loss programs. Weight loss advertising can be very persuasive and
appealing but very rarely are they effective and if so then they are most the time temporary.
They appeal to its customers by using certain catchy terminology or by before and after photos or
even testimonials from people that say it worked for them. Certain advertised diets may be
harmful to ones health so the American Heart Association has come out with certain diets that
will help you more that harm you. Losing weight involves more than just restricting caloric
intake, it encompasses a new lifestyle of educated health and exercise. While weight loss pills
can be very bad for ones health there is now six different types of pills for obesity that are
approved by the FDA. Four of the pills are approved for short term usage and the other two for
long term. There are several organic all natural products that have been proven to have dietary
supplements, and of course not my favorite but surgery is also an expensive mean of helping
obesity.
Resources:

Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2000). Nutrition Experts and diet-book Authors
Urge Government to Test Weight Loss Plans. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from
http://www.cspinet.org/

o This website is a nutritional expert versus government type article. While
it looks a little gossipy it does have some good facts as well.

Federal Trade Commission. (2002). Weight-Loss Advertising: An Analysis of Current
Trends. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from http://www.ftc.gov/
o Different types of media and advertising for weight loss products is
included in this website. There are all the claims that weight loss
advertising uses to go after its customers.

HealthRecipes.com. (2012). A Guide to Some of the Most Popular Weight Loss
Programs on the Internet. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from
http://www.healthrecipes.com/diets.htm
o This is where you want to go to seek out weight loss programs that may
work and are not just a gimmick. It breaks down different kinds of diets
and explains the effects it has on your body.

DAdamo, P. (1997). Eat Right 4 You Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying

Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight.

o Certain diets are not for everyone and this book will help pinpoint what
types of weight loss tricks and diets will work for you.

Livestrong.com. (2012). MyPlate Calorie Counter. Retrieved on October 2, 2012 from
http://www.livestrong.com/
o This is a tool to track your goals and calories, lose weight and feel great.
Good website to track your fitness goals to achieve maximum results.