The Revolution of Food- My Plate

In 1994 the USDA center for nutritional Policy and Promotion was established in the United States. Its purpose was to "improve the nutrition and wellbeing of Americans." It strove to provide reliable resources and information for Americans in order to improve their ability to select and consume healthier foods. They provided resources such as the food guide pyramid then the mypyramid that had some additional information about specific portion sizes and added in an emphasis in physical activity(Choosemyplate). In most recent years the My Plate food guide showed proportion sizes simply and clearly emphasizing the most important part of a diet, half of your portions being fruits and vegetables and the other being mostly grains with protein (MyPlate).

An interesting aspect of the revolution of dietary guidelines is how much they have changed over the years. During the early 1900s there was a huge focus on getting carbohydrates and protein. In the mid 1900s (the difference), the dietary guidelines changed again to having more fruits and vegetables, then additional changes were made to consuming less grains.

Nutrition guidelines are always changing to promote the healthiest way of living. Following updates and being on top of the current information is important for consumers. Choose My Plate.org is a great resources for information and additional understanding for individuals and families.

The Revolution of Food- GMOs

I have missed a few weeks since I last posted. Over that time the topic of food has been going through my mind so I studied it out and will produce a series over the next week about food, especially since it is getting close to the holiday season when a lot of people become concerned with their food consumption and seem to be very interested in exactly what kind of food they are eating, whether or not it is nutritious, and the how it is produced. GMO's or Genetically Modified Organisms is an example of a hot topic in the food industry right now. That can be a pretty scary term. What does that really mean to have a genetically modified organism? Is that consumable? Is it healthy at all? I had the opportunity to interview a family friend Clark Israelson, an Extension Agent for Cache County in Utah about GMO's and his take. (Later on I will have a pod cast covering the topic with more detail.) First let us define GMOs. A GMO is a Genetically Modified Organism that main purpose is to increase production and value of the product.(GMO facts) While talking to Mr. Israelson he stated that GMOs have been around forever, as animals have adapted and changed. It is the survival of the fittest at its finest as the weak genetics are eliminated. GMOs are used to increase crop production and produce a weed resistant, higher yield, more nutritious product. (GMO Benefits) Although I recognize that there is a bias, but with adequate research consumers can come to their own conclusion and choose for themselves. There are many resources for information, for and against the consumption of GMOs. A few would include, Food And Agriculture Organization of United Nations,International Union of Nutritional Sciences, and Genetic Literacy Project. These sources have facts from studies taken and information that is reliable.