Food for Life: Healthy Basics

Diet-related chronic diseases are major threats to Americans. Overweight and obesity now
affect the majority of the U.S. population, increasing the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and
heart disease and taking a disproportionate toll on under-served populations. Health
disparities can be defined as differences in health status among those in varying social or
demographic categories, such as race, gender, or income. Illness can even be the cause of
people falling into poverty.

However, improved lifestyle choices, especially dietary, need not be reserved for those in a
particular income, social, gender, or racial demographic. Eating healthfully can be less
expensive than diets fueled by seemingly inexpensive processed products, fast-food
products, or nutrient-poor products. The savings can happen in the short term and certainly
in the long term, measured not only by dollars but also in quality of life.

This class will focus on general concepts behind healthful eating habits
by providing the knowledge and resources for trying out a new way of eating. The
Power Plate is a diagram that illustrates the essential food groups: vegetables, grains,
legumes, and fruits. From these groups, you will be able to think about different foods

and meals you can eat to best promote your health and the health of your family.