In this assignment, we will become more aware of the food and drinks that we’re consuming and compare it to recommended dietary guidelines. This activity will also enlighten us on how many calories we’re consuming, the quality of those calories, and how we’re burning those calories.
We will be using the desktop app or downloadable app, MyFitnessPal: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/Links to an external site.
You’ll need to create an account and then input your data such as height, weight, sex, etc.
Without changing your diet habits, keep track and input all food and drinks you consume for 3 days, using serving sizes with your best estimate. *Note: It is best if you include one weekend day as part of your tracking, as we typically eat a little differently on the weekends.
DO NOT TRACK YOUR THANKSGIVING MEAL AS PART OF YOUR MEAL TRACKING – THANKSGIVING MEALS ARE NOT TYPICAL MEALS AND MAY INCLUDE MORE CALORIES/NUTRIENTS THAN TYPICAL MEALS.
Please compare your daily totals of calories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, water, and various vitamins and minerals (if applicable) to the following charts:
Table A1-2 Daily Nutritional Goals, Ages 2 and Older
a Sedentary means a lifestyle that includes only the physical activity of independent living.
b Moderately Active means a lifestyle that includes physical activity equivalent to walking about 1.5 to 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to the activities of independent living.
c Active means a lifestyle that includes physical activity equivalent to walking more than 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to the activities of independent living.
Source: Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. Washington (DC): The National Academies Press; 2002.
Please answer the following questions:
1. How does your average daily consumption compare to the recommendations for your age and sex for the specified nutrient?
Protein
Carbohydrates
Fats
2. How does your average daily calorie consumption compare to the recommended caloric needs for your age, sex, and physical activity level?
3. Generally, how did your meals compare to the MyPlate recommendations at https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplateLinks to an external site.
4. Describe your general eating patterns: Do you eat on the run, eat in front of a TV, or eat meals at home with family? Do you eat slowly and savor your food? Do you skip meals?
5. What are your initial thoughts about the results of your food tracking? What are some changes you can make in your eating habits that will encourage you to eat more healthily?
