1 Does Nutrition Impact Our Health Are We What We Eat Sociology 100 Specific Hypothesis It is believed that if people engage in the right feeding or eating habits in which case they consume a balanced type of diet, that has special reservation for whole food, and conduct regular physical exercise then there will be fewer cases of human health complications. Sociological Concepts There are several sociological theories and terminologies within the text which all point towards improving the quality of human health in the society. For instance, it is said that most people in the American societies are either ignorant or lack awareness of the need and benefits of feeding on a balanced diet. This problem makes them vulnerable to contracting dietary health diseases and complications. The author has also identified that the type and quality of food people eat has a significant influence on their overall health as it shapes their physical appearance, their weight, mood and aging process. The author cites Ragin (2015) who claims that there is need for people to establish the value of their health and that of their family, friends and loved ones which will help them to shift away their feeding habits from fast foods and soft drinks to consumption of organic food materials. Lifestyles centered on the consumption of whole foods are fancied by the author whereby he says that they are a balanced way of eating and that they promote a healthy life. Practical Implications Sociological research into the role played by people’s feeding habits in their health assists the society as it provides sufficient fundamental knowledge that would help experts in the discovery and solution of critical health complications in different locations of the world. The inquiry will identify trends and relationships in health related diseases in societies and link them to their dietary causes. It will make predictions on the general future expectations and help in the development of practical theories that will help eradicate the problem. Of course there will be future practical implications of this inquiry particularly in the business world. The current manufacturers of fast foods may witness adverse impacts in their business performance if people turn away from most of their products. Entrepreneurs will therefore direct their blame to sociologists who are pertinent to this subject for resultant the impact. First Line of Evidence Various surveys were conducted in the American continent by nutritionists from the University of Columbia. Their main purpose was to observe people’s feeding patterns/habits and comprehend the factors that influenced or caused their feeding preferences. The nutritionists later discovered that the American society is made up of people and consumers whose interests are characteristic of consuming ready-made food rather than organic food materials. This was attributed to a variety of factors which included consumer ignorance and lack of.

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Does Nutrition Impact Our Health
Are We What We Eat
Sociology 100
Specific Hypothesis
It is believed that if people engage in the right feeding or eating
habits in which case they consume a balanced type of diet, that
has special reservation for whole food, and conduct regular
physical exercise then there will be fewer cases of human health
complications.
Sociological Concepts
There are several sociological theories and terminologies within
the text which all point towards improving the quality of human

2. health in the society. For instance, it is said that most people in
the American societies are either ignorant or lack awareness of
the need and benefits of feeding on a balanced diet. This
problem makes them vulnerable to contracting dietary health
diseases and complications.
The author has also identified that the type and quality of food
people eat has a significant influence on their overall health as
it shapes their physical appearance, their weight, mood and
aging process. The author cites Ragin (2015) who claims that
there is need for people to establish the value of their health and
that of their family, friends and loved ones which will help
them to shift away their feeding habits from fast foods and soft
drinks to consumption of organic food materials. Lifestyles
centered on the consumption of whole foods are fancied by the
author whereby he says that they are a balanced way of eating
and that they promote a healthy life.
Practical Implications
Sociological research into the role played by people’s feeding
habits in their health assists the society as it provides sufficient
fundamental knowledge that would help experts in the discovery
and solution of critical health complications in different
locations of the world. The inquiry will identify trends and
relationships in health related diseases in societies and link
them to their dietary causes. It will make predictions on the
general future expectations and help in the development of
practical theories that will help eradicate the problem. Of
course there will be future practical implications of this inquiry
particularly in the business world. The current manufacturers of
fast foods may witness adverse impacts in their business
performance if people turn away from most of their products.
Entrepreneurs will therefore direct their blame to sociologists
who are pertinent to this subject for resultant the impact.
First Line of Evidence
Various surveys were conducted in the American continent by
nutritionists from the University of Columbia. Their main
purpose was to observe people’s feeding patterns/habits and

3. comprehend the factors that influenced or caused their feeding
preferences. The nutritionists later discovered that the American
society is made up of people and consumers whose interests are
characteristic of consuming ready-made food rather than
organic food materials. This was attributed to a variety of
factors which included consumer ignorance and lack of
awareness on the right food combinations to consume. Some
people had no idea about feeding on a balanced diet whereas
those who had knowledge about it were reluctant to adopt it in
their lifestyle.
This research significantly supports the hypothesis in my paper
given that as it is logical to claim that better nutrition and
lifestyle changes can help reduce most of the chronic diseases
that plague the Northern region of America. A balanced diet
will provide human bodies with essential nutrient elements
required by the human body to maintain a healthy living
standard.
The primary form of bias in this evidence could be that the
research may have specifically targeted areas with poor
populations and that it could be serving to promote vendors who
engage in the sale of organic foodstuffs.
Second Line of Evidence
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the US
indicates that approximately more than half of the adult
population in the US fails to conduct physical exercise that lasts
a period of 30 minutes or more in a day for 5 consecutive days.
This can seriously lead to issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart
problems and even accelerate the aging process in some
individuals. As the American College of Sports Medicine (2006)
reports, it is possible for an individual to obtain significant
health benefits from participating in moderate physical
exercises throughout the days of a week.
This evidence provides massive support to the hypothesis of this
paper given the biological explanation which shows the existing
relationship between the functioning of human body

4. cells/tissues and their nutrient element requirements. For
instance, damaged body cells need proteins in order to heal and
rebuild. It is however necessary to consider that people have
different cultures and may not engage in the same patterns or
practices that support improvement in individual health.
Conclusion
It is valid to conclude that eating the right kinds of food in the
correct combinations and patterns helps improve the general
health standards of a community. Physical exercises
complement the value of balanced diets in the maintenance of
human health within individuals. Healthy people engage in the
correct feeding lifestyles such as feeding on balanced diets and
regular physical exercise a factor which makes them physically
fit and immune to numerous diseases. The evidence provided is
sufficient enough to support the hypothesis.
References
· American College of Sports Medicine. 2006. ACSM’s
Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (7th ed.).
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2007a. U.S.
physical activity
statistics.http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/PASurveillance/StateSumRes
ultV.aasp; retrieved June 20, 2007.
· Ragin, D. (2015). Health Psychology: An Interdisciplinary
Approach to Health. New York: Pearson
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Does Nutrition Impact Our Health
ARE WE WHAT WE EAT

5. Sociology 100
Abstract
There are many facts that nutrition plays a major role with our
health in order to live a healthier lifestyle. Most research
suggests that nutrient and exercise plays a role with our health
and that we are what we eat. Results shows that we must
exercise daily and watch what we put inside of our body. The
conclusion does show that if we eat well and exercise it will
improve our health.
It is a common belief that nutrition plays a major role with our
health in order to live a healthier lifestyle. To help promote
healthier living, we must consume natural grains and healthier
foods. People must try to avoid processed food, high starch
food, no sugar or artificial flavoring. Exercise is another
important factor to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Does Nutrition
and Exercise Impact Our Health?
It is a scientifically proven fact that our food choices affect our
health. The old saying, we are what we eat, is true. Every cell in
our body is created from the food we eat, the water we drink
and the air we breathe. In addition to nourishing our bodies,
food also affects the quality of our lives, our appearance,
moods, weight, energy, the aging process and our overall health
and well-being.
I truly believe that most of the chronic diseases plaguing North
Americans today can be extremely reduced with better nutrition
and lifestyle changes. But so much of what we are eating today
is actually taking away from our health. It is lacking of

6. nutrients and filled with empty calories. We are walking around
overweight, bloated, and inflamed, but we are starving for
nutrients.
For me the best way to fill ourselves up and stay healthy is with
nutrient-dense, whole foods. They provide all the vitamins,
minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals we need to
combat most diseases at the same time create balance and
optimum health.
Whole foods are in the state they are found in nature fresh and
unrefined. They contain all the ingredients and tastes nature
intended. Nothing is removed. Nothing is added. They are more
nutrient-dense, are more flavorful and have none of the
chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, fungicides,
artificial flavors, colors and additives that are typically used to
increase shelf life of processed foods.
The processed foods are filled with salt, sugar, fat, and
chemicals that are harming us and making us sick. These are the
ones with long lists of ingredients we can't pronounce that come
in fancy packaging and were produced by food scientists in
huge manufacturing plants. Pretty far removed from nature and
your local family farm.
A whole foods lifestyle is simply a balanced way of eating that
promotes a healthy life. For me the components of a whole
foods lifestyle include organic vegetables and fruits, nuts and
seeds, grass-fed, pasture-raised animal products, and unrefined
oils fresh herbs and spices and sea vegetables to enhance the
flavor of meals. Some approaches include whole grains, beans
and legumes in their definition of whole foods.
So what is the difference between whole food and processed
food? A whole food would be a fresh crisp apple versus canned
apple juice. A chicken breast raised by your local farmer versus
processed chicken nuggets. And a handful of raw almonds
versus a packaged granola bar.
And eating whole foods can be quite simple. If you're shopping
at the local farmers market and eating the whole foods as nature
intended, you don't really need to worry about counting calories

7. or portion sizes, because everything you're eating is nutrient
dense and beneficial to your health. You can relax and simply
enjoy preparing delicious meals that are great tasting and great
for you. (Michelle MacLean2014)
If you pair regular exercise with a well-balanced diet, you'll
notice immediate changes in mood and energy levels. More
importantly, consistently eating well and exercising will
improve your health and extend your lifespan. Daily exercise
will also enhance one’s mental well-being and promote healthy
musculoskeletal function throughout life. Although habitual
physical activity is an attainable goal on the path to a healthier
life, more than half of U.S. adults do not get ≥ 30 minutes of
moderate-intensity exercise per day at least 5 days per week
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] 2007a). As
indicated, significant health benefits can be obtained by
engaging in moderate amounts of physical activity on most, and
preferably all, days of the week (American College of Sports
Medicine [ACSM] 2006). Fitness programs involving
progressively increasing intensities of exercise will elicit even
greater cardio protective benefits (Swain & Franklin 2006).
Yes nutrition and exercise does impact our health. In order to
promote a healthier lifestyle it is important to maintain a
healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis.
While evaluating one’s lifestyle choices, it is important to
consider the fact that we live in a time where our behavioral
choices, taste, and preferences directly affect our health (Ragin,
2015). For instance, in the wake of American consumerism in
the 20th century, eating habits have shifted from the traditional
balanced diet – protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins – towards
the more preferable fast foods, which are conveniently available
through the popular dial-a-delivery system. With this shift in
eating habits comes the inevitable risk of diabetes, cancer, and
other lifestyle diseases. It is a common belief that nutrition
plays a major role with our health; we are what we eat. In order
to live a healthier life, nutritionists urge people to adopt a
balanced diet. The role of proteins is body building, vitamins

8. repair worn out issues while carbohydrates give the body
energy. Every one of these is important and in equal measure
too. Health experts also note that to promote better living, we
must eat natural grains and healthier food. This implies
reducing process foods or high starch food; no sugar or
artificial flavours and exercise is important to maintain a
healthy lifestyle.
Nutritionists in the University of Columbia conducted various
surveys throughout America in bid to observe people’s feeding
patterns. The goal of the surveys was to understand people’s
feeding habits as well as what influences feeding choices. As it
turned out, the modern American society is a consumer society
bent more on consuming ready to eat foods as opposed to
organic foods. This may be attributable to a number of factors
among them ignorance of the right food combination. Due to
lack of awareness, some people have no idea what a balanced
diet is, for example. Even those who do are reluctant to adopt
that feeding pattern since fast foods are more convenient. As a
result, there is an emergent food crisis that is fast spreading
throughout the world, as McDonalds, Tacos, and Burger King
continue to pour millions into consumer advertising citing
convenience.
It has been said in less than formal terms that ‘we are what we
eat.’ According to Dr Annabel Michel of Stanford University,
culinary deviance becomes the American society. This deviance,
occasioned by ignorance, exposes us to health risks and other
eating disorders. For instance, consumption of fast foods
exposes us to obesity, bulimia, and other lifestyle diseases such
as cancer and diabetes in the long run. Even as people continue
to die of these diseases, the society is still so ignorant as if we
are on a death wish. Numerous dietary awareness campaigns are
seemingly not having any effect as consumers continue to
succumb to the allure of fast foods and beverages. For instance,
soda is more popular than milk yet the health benefits and risks
of both beverages are so obvious. Artificial sugars present in
soft drinks have the risk of cancer and diabetes. Natural sugars

9. are safer than processed ones.
In order to curb this pervasive trend, Dr Michel advises that we
adopt covert self-control as a behavioral technique. This begins
with – not only the knowledge – but also the realization that
optimal health always comes first. Once people learn to value
their health and that of their loved ones, they will appreciate the
need to shift from fast foods and soft drinks and consumer
organic foods instead. As a behavioral model, covert self-
control takes a lot of willpower from the subject (Ragin, 2015).
It is all in the mind; one needs to believe they can do it then
show initiative and resolve in their commitment towards
achieving the fundamental goal.
As behavioral psychologists explain in the Health Belief
Behavior Change Model, a person’s belief about the projected
benefits of optimal health drives them to indulge in health
promoting behavior and lifestyle. The health belief model helps
patients develop heath promoting lifestyle choices (Ragin,
2015). Using the health belief model, people can learn about the
seriousness and severity of lifestyle diseases. This way, it
becomes easier to understand our vulnerability if we do not
prioritize retaining optimal health. Medical experts explain that
the biggest concern regarding healthy living is that people are
ignorant of the real danger facing them. Seemingly, people tend
to have misguided priorities,
It is vital therefore to develop a profound consciousness
regarding the nature of our health. This comes as a priority
since everything else could always wait whereas optimal health
cannot wait. Health is the most important aspect of human life.
In fact, health experts now believe that individual health is the
determinant of other aspects of life. For instance, healthy
people also have a healthy state of mind and clear conscience.
The correlation between health and mental state is a proven
hypothesis. People must start by observing their feeding habits
and ensure that they encourage their friends and family to do
the same since it is true indeed that ‘we are what we eat.’ This
also comes with the awareness of the projected benefits of

10. optimal health, which include longevity and happiness (Ragin,
2015).
References
Health Diet Defintion, Healthy Diet Tips What Makes A (n.d)
Retrieved from http://www.healthy-dietpedia.com/Healthy-Diet-
Definition.htm1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2007a. U.S.
physical activity statistics.
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/PASurveillance/StateSumResultV.aasp;
retrieved June 20, 2007.
American College of Sports Medicine. 2006. ACSM’s
Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (7th ed.).
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Swain, D.P., & Franklin, B.A. 2006. Comparison of
cardioprotective benefits of vigorous versus moderate intensity
aerobic exercise. American Journal of Cardiology, 97, 141–47.
Ragin, D. (2015). Health Psychology: An Interdisciplinary
Approach to Health. New York: Pearson
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