Annotated Bibliography: American food, cultural saturation

Bell, Robert A., Charles R. Berger, Diana Cassady, and Marilyn S. Townsend. "Portrayals of Food Practices and Exercise Behavior in Popular American Films." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 37.1 (2005): 27-32. EBSCOhost. Web. 5 May 2013.

The authors working from U.C Davis conducted a study wherein they describe the depiction of food, alcohol, and exercise in the top ten grossing American films from years 1991-2000. Using the data formulated from this study it was found that in film, the main character; an attractive, healthy, fit, and happy, (average) American can do all this things while subsisting on the “Hollywood diet”. The pleasure seekers way, I might say; a diet high in fat, sugar and salt with ignored fruits and vegetables. In my experience; when I exercise heavily (as most movie hero’s do) I naturally want to eat better. My body demands good nutrition. Even if it’s on a subconscious level, I believe if people see their idols as the (above characteristics) eating the (above mentioned) diet they will feel or think as though they can live the same lives. They may even unconsciously associate health with good taste. This is the lie we are being told.

Yvonne, Evangeline. "Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Are Low-Nutrient, Empty Calorie Drinks." American Fitness Sept.-Oct. 2012: 66-68. Print.

In this periodical the author quotes many studies pertaining specifically to soda intake and it’s repercussions for children, ages ranging from 2-18. Sadly unhealthy habits beget themselves. Or statistics show that people with one dangerous behavior most likely have more. The hypothesis was supported by a study by Jessica Bachman and colleagues finding that sweetened beverages held 37% of added sugars in the American diet. The more soda in ones diet the higher risk for type-2 diabetes. Soda is liquid calories, you can not tell how much you are drinking. With a steady, generous intake of soda it is very easy for a person with a low metabolism to gain significant weight in a short period of time. There are many health problems associated with soft drinks. Most concerning in children are the developmental and sociological issues which correlate directly with increased sugar consumption. The schools of young children have the responsibility of molding the next generation that will be taking every position previous. I believe it is of the utmost importance to instill excellent habits to the future holders of this country.