PURDUE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

HW320 Contemporary Diet and Nutrition

Nutrition
Education
Guide
1
 PURDUE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

Nutrition Education Guide

By

Megan Johnson-Lee

Purdue Global University

HW320: Contemporary Diet and Nutrition

August 8th, 2023

 Table of Contents
Introduction
UNIT 1 D IETA R Y TR END S A ND NUTR ITION

Information to Remember
UNIT 2 F OOD C HOIC ES

Information to Remember
UNIT 3 F OOD C HOIC ES: EC ONOMIC S

Information to Remember
UNIT 4 F OOD C HOIC ES: F OOD B OR NE IL L NESSES

Information to Remember
UNIT 5 GENETIC A L L Y ENGINEER ED F OOD

Information to Remember
UNIT 6 THE OR GA NIC F OOD MOV EMENT

Information to Remember
UNIT 7 GL OB A L F OOD MA R KETS

Information to Remember
UNIT 8 C ONTEMPOR A R Y WEIGHT L OSS PR OGR A MS

Information to Remember
UNIT 9 D IV ER SITY OF F OOD C HOIC ES

Information to Remember
 1
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 1 Dietary Trends and

Nutrition
Information to Remember:
 Dietary Trends and Nutrition are constantly changing and evolving. Staying up to speed
with the latest scienced back research and information is key to living a healthy life. The
USDA Dietary Guidelines are reevaluated every 5 years, but the information is pertinent
for everyone to ensure they are consuming quality foods and the proper nutrients.

Resource:
 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). USDA Dietary Guidelines for
Americans 2020-2025. 9th Ed.Health.gov.
https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_A
mericans_2020-2025.pdf - The USDA Dietary Guidelines is an all-encompassing
document that ensures we’re aware of what we should be consuming at every life cycle.
The document is split into different stages of life, as well as a specific chapter for pregnant
and lactating mothers for dietary requirements which I think is very important because
those change in such a short amount of time. It also covers special considerations for each
age group for different vitamin and mineral intake.

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 2
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 2 Food Choices

Information to Remember:
 There are many different factors that impact our food choices. Social media and other
outlets allow misinformation to be accessible on the web at our fingertips. Unless
“influencers” or websites show credentials, degrees, or accreditation supporting whatever
advice they’re trying to give, or data they’re trying to claim, it’s best to continue doing
research on what you should be consuming.

Resource:
 Apellö, S. (2018). Opinion | 3 ways to avoid nutrition misinformation on the internet.
Knox News. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/2018/04/23/opinion-3-
ways-avoid-nutrition-misinformation-internet/473912002/. 3 ways to avoid nutrition
misinformation on the internet is to start with verifying credentials of the website or
individual you’ve discovered online. Understanding that there is no miracle pill to weight
loss. And be very wary of people who may gain financially from whatever they’re
advertising or selling.

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 3
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 3 Food Choices:

Economics
Information to Remember:
 People may base their food choices on a lot of different things, and whether they have
access or the money to pay for good food can be a big factor. Depending on where you’re
from, you might not have access to fresh produce and grocery stores with quality produce.
Information given might be outdated as well. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) provides benefits for low-income families so they can afford nutritious food.

Resource:
 U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2018). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-
snap. This website lets consumers know if they’re eligible for SNAP benefits. You can
apply online and read what you can buy with SNAP benefits. There are also resources
available for making healthy food choices with the benefits.

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 4
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 4 Foodborne Illness and

Disease
Information to Remember:
 Not all food is good food, and even good food can make us sick. Foodborne illnesses are a
real thing and can be severely inhibiting to someone and potentially deadly depending on
the person and what they ingest. It’s important to purchase quality food if able and prepare
it and store it properly. Also, try to remain aware of any outbreaks or recalls relating to
food or foodborne illnesses.

Resource:
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Estimates of foodborne illness in the
United States. https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/attribution/attribution-1998-
2008.html - The CDC compiled a study about which foods have made people sick from
different outbreaks, parasites, or bacteria. It found that produce and poultry were the top
products contributing to illnesses. Although the CDC still recommends eating plenty of
fruits and vegetables. Just to ensure produce is washed properly, and poultry is cooked to
the recommended internal temperature.

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 5
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 5 Genetically Engineered

Food
Information to Remember:
 GMO’s or Genetically Modified Organisms are in almost everything we consume on a
daily basis, unless we’re eating a solely organic diet. But with the amount of testing and
regulation that governs GMO foods, there seems to be little to no harm done.
Bioengineered foods and Genetically Modified Ones go hand in hand but are regulated by
the federal government to ensure safe manufacturing and consumption.

Resource:
 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). How GMOs are regulated for food and
plant safety in the United States. https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-
biotechnology/how-gmos-are-regulated-food-and-plant-safety-united-states. The
USDA, The U.S. Department of Agriculture, FDA (U.S. Food and Drug
Administration), and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) all work together to
ensure that GMOs are made safely, and the environmental impacts aren’t harmful to
the earth. The EPA ensures pesticides used are safe for the crops and human
consumption, and the USDA protects agriculture against pests and disease.

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 6
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 6 The Organic Food

Movement
Information to Remember:
 Organic foods are produced by organic farming whose intention is to provide safe and
healthy living for livestock, improve soil and water in crops, promote self-sustaining
cycles of crops, and cut pollution. While organic farming helps the environment it comes
at a cost to consumers. And even though organic foods are produced with no pesticides or
GMO’s does not necessarily mean it is more nutritious or better for you.

Resource:
 Mayo Clinic. (2020). Organic foods: Are they safer? More
nutritious? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-
depth/organic-food/art-20043880n - Organic farming utilizes natural resources and rotates
plants property to stop pest cycles or disease in crops while also ensuring their livestock
are treated like farm animals and able to graze naturally and outdoors. But not all organic
food is created equal and checking your labels are important because there are many
stipulations when it comes to a USDA Organic seal.

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 7
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 7 Globalization of World

Food Markets
Information to Remember:
 The globalization of fast food across the world, particularly McDonalds restaurants is
bringing its problems with it. Although, it is helping economies and providing jobs to over
100 different counties with opening more of their restaurants. But with fast food comes
unhealthy eating and obesity, and most countries that have McDonalds are seeing an
increase of overweight and obese children and adults (Schlosser, 2001).

Resource:
 Eric Schlosser. (2001). Fast food nation : The dark side of the all-American meal: Chapter
10: Globalization. Mariner Books. This book really shows the dark side of the “All-
American meal” and highlights how the globalization of fast-food companies has
impacted other countries. It discusses how so many people in these countries are
becoming to look like the vast majority of Americans too. Overweight and obese.

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 8
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 8 Contemporary Weight-

Loss Programs
Information to Remember:
 While there are many over-the-counter weight loss pills, and some FDA approved ones
there is no miracle pill for weight loss. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, and there
need to be major lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss goals. There are some
medications that can help those trying to lose weight that have other medical conditions,
but as with most medications there are side effects to be aware of.

 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Prescription
medications to treat overweight and obesity. National Institutes of Health.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-
medications-treat-overweight-obesity. This webpage describes what is obese and
overweight and what prescription medications are available that are FDA approved. It lists
what each medication does, and potential side effects. There are other weight management
options listed and why it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

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 9
Unit

Dietary Trends and Nutrition

Unit 9 Diversity of Food

Choices
Information to Remember:
 The way we eat can be dictated by several things to include our social and economic
background, how we were raised, where we live, and what type of foods our friends eat,
and how all those can affect us and our diet and lifestyle. It’s important to know that not
everyone may have access to the same foods, but that we’re aware of the choices we make
and attempt to make the best ones possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle no matter where
we live or come from.

Resource:
 Group, E. (2016). How culture and society influence eating.
https://explore.globalhealing.com/how-culture-and-society-influence-healthy-eating/. –
This article explains how early dietary habits are established in childhood and by parents,
and how important it is to offer as many good foods to children as possible. It goes onto
society influences and how big social media is and can make people feel bad about
themselves if they believe everything they see on social media in regards to fitness
influencers, but encourages people to eat to live and nourish our bodies.

Part 2: Cultural Food Choice Explanation and Screenshot

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 My culture of choice is Mexican-American, my own. And the dish I
made was Chilaquiles. It’s a breakfast dish consisting of tortilla pieces, salsa,
eggs, beans, chicken or pork, cheese, and fresh onions, avocado. Making this
dish is a tradition in my family, and enjoying it on the weekends is something
we did a lot when I grew up. My first memories in the kitchen were with my
Grandmother, Mother, and Sister. They would show me how to grate cheese,
hold a knife, stir the pot, and flip tortillas. This is something most families in our
culture do, they pass on recipes to each generation. Over time, we’ve learned to
lighten the meal and make it slightly more healthy. When my Grandmother was
taught how to make refried beans (which is a topping on this dish), they were
made with lard (so much bad fat!) Now I prefer to make them with black beans,
and I skip the crema (which is a sour cream based sauce), and just make a fresh
salsa instead. The tortillas are cut up and can be fried, but now we bake them as
well. And they simmer in a red or green sauce depending on if you want a
tomato base or tomatillo base. I am excited to pass this recipe down to my
children, and enjoy when my 3 year old son asks to help me in the kitchen.

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References:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). USDA Dietary Guidelines for
Americans 2020-2025. 9th Ed.Health.gov.
https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americ
ans_2020-2025.pdf

Apellö, S. (2018). Opinion | 3 ways to avoid nutrition misinformation on the internet. Knox
News. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/2018/04/23/opinion-3-ways-
avoid-nutrition-misinformation-internet/473912002/

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2018). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Estimates of foodborne illness in the
United States. https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/attribution/attribution-1998-2008.html

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). How GMOs are regulated for food and
plant safety in the United
States. https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmos-are-regulated-
food-and-plant-safety-united-states

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Organic foods: Are they safer? More

nutritious? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-
depth/organic-food/art-20043880n

Eric Schlosser. (2001). Fast food nation : The dark side of the all-American meal: Chapter 10:
Globalization. Mariner Books.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Prescription
medications to treat overweight and obesity. National Institutes of Health.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-
treat-overweight-obesity.

Group, E. (2016). How culture and society influence eating.

https://explore.globalhealing.com/how-culture-and-society-influence-healthy-eating/

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