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Foods: Fads and Facts
is clear. Protein needs can be met without meat by combining vegetable and dairy sources of amino acids in complementary proportions. Kendall W. King, biochemist and nutritionist, illustrates protein building very simply in the film with children's "pop-it" beads of varying colors to represent the various amino acids. The types of foods that could be prepared to replace meat are beautifully illustrated by Lappe and Ellen B. Ewald, author of Recipes for A Small Planet. Basic combinations included grains and legumes, grains and dairy products, and grains and seeds. Lacking, however, were suggestions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals that would provide the day's protein requirement. For the rest, the film is definitely committed to illustrating the unethical and uneconomic nature of a meat-centered diet. Perhaps, its major statement is made by showing that 18 million pounds of vegetable protein are wasted in the U.S. yearly through conversion to meat. Thus, cattle are fed 20 million pounds of grain, but produce only 2 million pounds of edible meat protein. The lost protein goes into buiLding their own bodies and producing thei.r own energy. This deficit of 18 million pounds is also approximately that required by the Third World. The film was previewed by a panel of professional foods and nutrition educators from the University of Hawaii and State of Hawaii agencies. They agreed that the film would be a useful educational tool and that it contained no factual inaccuracies of a nutritional nature. Jane M. Palmer, Food Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu, Hawaii. Editor's Note: A group of five nutrition professionals (including two JNE stafJ members) viewed the film in Berkeley, Calif., and basically made the same kind of comments as in the above review. They also felt that beef was singled out and portrayed in an exceptionally unappetizing manner, e.g., a scene showing a large pile of ground beef being moved by a man with cyshovel. The film was also considered to have an "all or nothing" approach, e.g. , concentration on complete replacement of meat by vegetarian alternatives rather than showing how small amounts of meat could be used in an otherwise vegetarian diet. Milk and eggs appeared to be used in dishes shown. Foods: Fads and Fact~, 1974. From Alfred Higgins Productions, Inc., 9100 146 / Journal of NUTRITION EDUCATION
Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069 , 16 mm color film, 17 min., $220.00. Several questions often asked regarding the comparable nutritional value of foods purchased at health food stores and at regular markets are answered intelligently in this film. A number of scientifically trained nutritionists were used as resource people, which is one of the film's greatest strengths. Various aspects of food production and processing-e.g., organic vs. commercial growing methods, use of pesticides-are logically examined and explained. The film points out the disadvantages of health food stores without appearing moralistic, and it is concluded that foods purchased in a regular market offer good nutrition. The photography is excellent, and foods are well presented. There are also some unusual scenes showing food harvesting and processing. Nutrition educators will find it a helpful resource, suitable for upper elementary students through adults. Food: More for Your Money, undated . From Alfred Higgins Productions, Inc., 9100 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069, 16 mm color film, 14 min., $190.00. Two out-of-work detectives enter a contest on how to get the most out of the food budget, and the information they learn from the local supermarket checker is the theme of the film. Specific examples of comparing and evaluating food items for nutritional quality and economy are presented. Tips on formulating a shopping list, convenience foods, meat purchasing, nutrition labeling, brand items, and unit pricing are given. The content is sound, although there is one minor inaccuracy: a reference to the MDR, instead of the U.S. RDA, as a standard for nutrition labeling. Some may object to the film's dramatized story, but it would probably be enjoyable and helpful for many junior high through adult groups. Food for Thought, JIlinois Dept. of Public Instruction, 1974. From Cine-Graphic Film Lab., Inc., 101 N. 17th St., St. Louis, MO 63103, 16 mm color film, $200.00. This film explains and promotes the School Lunch Program, primarily through interviews of various related officias and the showing of actual school lunch situations. Information is included on the development of the program; cost; how it is administered; the content of a Type A lunch; and specific benefits-the
prevention of behavior and learning problems, better communication between teacher and student, and an outlet for nutrition education. The film would be useful as part of a campaign for establishing lunch programs in a school or school system or to aid in increasing participation. Lights! Camera! Lettuce! 1974. From Western Iceberg Lettuce, Inc., P .O. Box 9123, San Francisco, CA 94129, 16 mm color film, 28 min., free rental or $125.00 purchase price. A half-hour movie about lettuce? Surprisingly, the film is very informative about how iceberg lettuce is grown, harvested, inspected, shipped, and stored. Much of the time is devoted to the use of lettuce in attractive ways in meals. The technique of the film is "making a movie about lettuce," and it is quite enjoyable, though the subject matter is limited to only one kind of lettuce. The film might be an enjoyable interlude for a home economics class or adult cooking group, but it is not a basic teaching aid. Also available: The Main Attraction, filmstrip (based on the above film), 126 frames, 33Yl rpm record or cassette with automatic and audible cues; $3.00. An Exchange for the Better, Noyes, S. and Noyes, K., 1974. From Foodways System, 1615 Pandora Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, 16 mm color film, 16 min., 1 instructor outline, 2 pp.; self-test, 1 pp.; 50 student supplements, 4 pp.; purchase price $250, rental $65 for two weeks. The diabetic exchange system is a complex concept for a patient to grasp, and one cannot expect one film to be the answer. Nevertheless, this film does a creditable job of explaining one commonly used system. A dietitian who previewed the film noted that different institutions may use exchange systems with minor variations from the one in the film which may cause some confusion. Also, actual weighing of foods is shown, which is not a universal practice. The format of the film, which was made by two RDs, simulates a counseling situation with illustration of portion sizes and food exchanges by use of actual foods. For the new diabetic patient, it would need to be used with supplementary activities, such as those suggested in the instructor outline, or perhaps showing the film in segments. The film would be a useful review for established diabetics and might also lend itself to training of health professionals. Vol. 6, No.4, October-December, 1974
Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069 , 16 mm color film, 17 min., $220.00. Several questions often asked regarding the comparable nutritional value of foods purchased at health food stores and at regular markets are answered intelligently in this film. A number of scientifically trained nutritionists were used as resource people, which is one of the film's greatest strengths. Various aspects of food production and processing-e.g., organic vs. commercial growing methods, use of pesticides-are logically examined and explained. The film points out the disadvantages of health food stores without appearing moralistic, and it is concluded that foods purchased in a regular market offer good nutrition. The photography is excellent, and foods are well presented. There are also some unusual scenes showing food harvesting and processing. Nutrition educators will find it a helpful resource, suitable for upper elementary students through adults. Food: More for Your Money, undated . From Alfred Higgins Productions, Inc., 9100 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069, 16 mm color film, 14 min., $190.00. Two out-of-work detectives enter a contest on how to get the most out of the food budget, and the information they learn from the local supermarket checker is the theme of the film. Specific examples of comparing and evaluating food items for nutritional quality and economy are presented. Tips on formulating a shopping list, convenience foods, meat purchasing, nutrition labeling, brand items, and unit pricing are given. The content is sound, although there is one minor inaccuracy: a reference to the MDR, instead of the U.S. RDA, as a standard for nutrition labeling. Some may object to the film's dramatized story, but it would probably be enjoyable and helpful for many junior high through adult groups. Food for Thought, JIlinois Dept. of Public Instruction, 1974. From Cine-Graphic Film Lab., Inc., 101 N. 17th St., St. Louis, MO 63103, 16 mm color film, $200.00. This film explains and promotes the School Lunch Program, primarily through interviews of various related officias and the showing of actual school lunch situations. Information is included on the development of the program; cost; how it is administered; the content of a Type A lunch; and specific benefits-the
prevention of behavior and learning problems, better communication between teacher and student, and an outlet for nutrition education. The film would be useful as part of a campaign for establishing lunch programs in a school or school system or to aid in increasing participation. Lights! Camera! Lettuce! 1974. From Western Iceberg Lettuce, Inc., P .O. Box 9123, San Francisco, CA 94129, 16 mm color film, 28 min., free rental or $125.00 purchase price. A half-hour movie about lettuce? Surprisingly, the film is very informative about how iceberg lettuce is grown, harvested, inspected, shipped, and stored. Much of the time is devoted to the use of lettuce in attractive ways in meals. The technique of the film is "making a movie about lettuce," and it is quite enjoyable, though the subject matter is limited to only one kind of lettuce. The film might be an enjoyable interlude for a home economics class or adult cooking group, but it is not a basic teaching aid. Also available: The Main Attraction, filmstrip (based on the above film), 126 frames, 33Yl rpm record or cassette with automatic and audible cues; $3.00. An Exchange for the Better, Noyes, S. and Noyes, K., 1974. From Foodways System, 1615 Pandora Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, 16 mm color film, 16 min., 1 instructor outline, 2 pp.; self-test, 1 pp.; 50 student supplements, 4 pp.; purchase price $250, rental $65 for two weeks. The diabetic exchange system is a complex concept for a patient to grasp, and one cannot expect one film to be the answer. Nevertheless, this film does a creditable job of explaining one commonly used system. A dietitian who previewed the film noted that different institutions may use exchange systems with minor variations from the one in the film which may cause some confusion. Also, actual weighing of foods is shown, which is not a universal practice. The format of the film, which was made by two RDs, simulates a counseling situation with illustration of portion sizes and food exchanges by use of actual foods. For the new diabetic patient, it would need to be used with supplementary activities, such as those suggested in the instructor outline, or perhaps showing the film in segments. The film would be a useful review for established diabetics and might also lend itself to training of health professionals. Vol. 6, No.4, October-December, 1974