This short take explains how we developed a photographic guide for assessing biodiversity in food consumption studies with taxonomy accuracy. To build the guide, we followed the "Guidelines on Assessing Biodiverse Foods in Dietary Intake Surveys" of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. As far as we know,…

Food systems challenges are on the rise globally -- and so is the need for well-equipped food educators. Teaching food literacy from a young age is critical in transforming the food system toward healthier and more sustainable diets. Many teachers are not prepared, and thus lack the confidence, to discuss systemic challenges and complicated…

In this fast-pace life the easiest foods are usually prepackaged, salt-enriched, and carb-loaded. While these foods may temporarily satisfy hunger, youth athletes need essential nutrients to excel in their sport. Nutrition is important for parents, coaches, and athletes to understand since inadequate nutrition has temporary and long-lasting…

The high level of consumption of processed foods has an effect on human health. The consumption of doughnuts, pastries, fried chicken, French fried potatoes, snack chips, and imitation cheese is high among teenagers. These foods are generally rich in fats, although the focus has often been on the quantity rather than the quality of these fats.…

In this snapshot, I discuss the potential value of gardening as a reciprocal research method. I draw on my experience of partnering with a school in establishing and supporting an ongoing primary school vegetable garden, as part of a long-term research project. I suggest that the garden creates a space in which to "talk around" the…

Nowadays, unhealthy dietary habits, insufficient food knowledge, and lack of manual skills are typical issues among primary and secondary school students in China. To help students build up a strong constitution and life wisdom, Weifang Hansheng School of Shandong developed a food education course. This paper expounds on the course framework,…

Even in a society of meat-eaters such as the United States, when diet is addressed in school at all, it is widely treated as matter of personal choice, the consequences of which are borne by individual consumers. Overlooked are myriad connections involved in human diet and the implications of consumption for other entities. In the first part of…

Nutrition has vital and long-lasting effects on children's development. Good nutrition helps children learn better and promotes lifelong healthy eating habits. Connecting current scientific research with best practices, "Rethinking Nutrition" provides information to help you meet and understand children's nutritional and developmental…

This Conversation Currents features Chef Kevin Gillespie, owner of Atlanta restaurant Gunshow, contestant on Bravo's "Top Chef Las Vegas" in 2009, and food activist for various organizations. He shares his journey to becoming a chef, ways to integrate healthy foods in schools, and the role of literacy in nutrition.

Although the primary focus of physical educators is to increase students' physical activity levels and their knowledge about the importance of movement, they also have the opportunity to affect students' overall wellness by teaching nutrition and how healthy eating contributes to overall health and weight management. Nutrition concepts…

Diet change toward eating less meat and more plant foods is advocated for reasons of health, environmental protection, and kindness toward non-human animals. This article is written for people who advocate meat reduction, regardless of whether their audiences are in schools, universities, organizations, or in the general public. However, the…

Tribal colleges and universities are working in their communities to identify factors that negatively impact health and are training the next generation of healthcare workers to deal with them. And they are making a difference--not just in the lives of their students, but in the lives of future patients.

Childhood overweight and obesity are major problems in the United States, with important consequences for our nation's health and economy. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, yet children, adolescents, and adults skip breakfast on a routine basis. This habit of breakfast skipping is related to weight gain, higher body mass…

Good nutrition is important for optimal athletic performance. Adolescent athletes often depend on their coaches for nutritional information on weight management, dietary supplements, and dietary practices. Some dietary practices, such as vegetarianism, have the potential to be harmful to the adolescent athlete if not followed with careful…

According to a recent study reported by the BBC, 30% of children in England are overweight and a significant factor affecting this statistic is that children have limited understanding of food, including what should be consumed and in what proportions. Nutritional choices made by children in today's society can dramatically affect their health and…