Change4Life

Contemporary Diet Information

A nationwide obesity epidemic combined with an ageing and more health-conscious population has led to people being concerned about what is going into their bodies. With Organic products, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and contemporary grown foods on the market how do you know what is the best choice for you and your family? Are you sure that you are properly preparing the meals that you and your family eat? Food safety is an extremely important part of maintaining your family’s health. Below is a list of resources to help guide you on the path to better nutrition

Organic foods:

Are foods grown or made without the use of artificial chemicals. Organic foods cost more due to the limited success of organic farming. Organic farming is labor intensive since pesticides are not used. The increased labor and higher cost of fertilizers are part of the reason that organic foods usually cost 20-100% more than conventionally grown foods.

Mayo Clinic - Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880

This website provides information on what makes food organic and conventional versus organic farming methods.

Why Should I Eat Organic Foods?: The Pro's, the Con's, & Everything You'd Want To Know (Volume 1) By A.J. Parker

This book covers various topics such as; The Differences Between Organic and Non-Organic Foods - Why Choose Organic Foods? - Organic VS Certified Organic - The Advantages & Disadvantages of Going Organic - Top Products That You Should Buy - The Healthiest Fruits and Vegetables - How Eating Non-Organic Will Affect Your Health.

Organic Food Info.net - The Advantages of Organic Food You Are What You Eat

http://www.organicfoodinfo.net/

This website offers a variety of resources regarding organic foods. The site contains a Practical 12 Month Organic Living Plan. There are also Organic food recipes that are available when you register on the site.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Agricultural biotechnology enables scientist to alter the DNA of plants and animals to produce desired results. Farmers are able to produce crops that have built in pesticides eliminating the use of harmful chemicals. Farmer have increase their income due to increased productivity of crops.

The FDA allows manufactures to conduct independent studies on genetically alter foods to ensure that they are safe for public consumption. There are three government agencies that regulate biotechnology; The USDA, FDA, and EPA. Each has an independent role in ensuring biotechnology does not harm humans, the environment, and plants and animals.

Food Fight: GMOs and the Future of the American Diet By McKay Jenkins

The book provides an in-depth look at both sides of the GMO argument. It provides answers to questions such as; Are GMOs an astounding scientific breakthrough destined to end world hunger? Or are they simply a way for giant companies to control a problematic food system?

GMO OMG By Jeremy Seifert

Is a documentary that takes the director all over the world in search of answers to issues such as; How do GMOs affect our children, the health of our planet, and our freedom of choice?

Factsaboutgmos.org

Is a website that provides information on the safety of GMOs, policies that govern GMOs, and the financial and global impact of GMOs.

Food Safety

Food safety is the disciplined handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness. According to healthypeople.gov2020, each year foodborne illnesses sicken 48 million Americans (approximately 17% of people in the United States) and lead to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

The Food Safety Book: What You Don't Know Could Kill You by Joe Kivett, Mark Tamplin, and Gerald J. Kivett.

This book answers just about every food safety, quality, and storage-related question anyone might have.

Foodsaftey.gov

This website provides information on food recalls, food poisoning, and how to keep foods safe.

Fda.gov

This site provides information on symptoms of foodborne illnesses, proper handling of foods, and safe internal temperatures to tell when food is thoroughly cooked.