UNIT TWO: Nutrition Lab

To keep our bodies working to give us the strength and energy; it is important to feed our bodies. This lab was basically inputting what we ate throughout the course of a day, as the picture above shows. The end results are not accurate because it didn't ask for specific amounts, and I was unable to dictate the amount consumed and not everything was on the list. Some of the food I ate and entered are not the exact same product, but similar. At the end, it gives a table of the nutrient totals. Below I will discuss what I ate for the day and the total amounts for the nutrients

Breakfast: 1 slice of sourdough bread toasted with 2 TBLS of Peanut butter, 1 cup of coffee with a tsp of fat free vanilla creamer, 8 oz of water, and 8 0z of fat-free milk.
Snack: Nutri-grain bar(honey oat) 1 bottle of Gatorade
Lunch: Salad with fresh vegetables: 1/4cup of cucumbers and green peppers, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, and ranch dressing. Rye crisp with colby cheese. 16 oz of water
Snack: Green grapes- tostido chips/cheese dip. Water
Dinner: Chicken and cheese quesadila with 1 tsp of sour cream. 8 oz of water. Fresh fruit: honeydew, watermelon, and strawberries.
Snack: Chocolate Ice cream and strawberries
I drink a lot of water throughout the day!!!! And thankfully, lately I have had cravings for fresh fruit!!!!

The Table states that the total Calories: 1010, Fat:44g, Sat. fat:20, Cholesterol:110mg, Sodium:1970mg, Carbohydrate: 105g, Dietary Fiber 10g, Sugars: 36g, Protein: 52g. The Vitamin totals: Vitamin A: 160%, Vit. C: 80%, Calcium: 110%, and Iron 35% Like I mentioned before these totals could be more or less. I'm not sure that with what I gave, my total fats could equal 64! I didn't eat a whole chicken or pound of cheese in my quesadila!

1. How healthy of a diet do you think this is? I am pregnant so I have tried my best to improve my diet. For the most part I feel I have a healthy diet. Although the pictures on the lab show that I am a carbohydrate friendly, well-balanced, vegitarian. It also shows a picture of a vegan, but I do eat meats. We basically grill a lot of steaks, hamburgers and pork chops.

2. What would you change about this day's eating. If anything? I basically eat this on a routine basis. Some days more veggies or dairy products(yogurt, string cheese). Even though I think I drink a lot of water, I still could probably drink more. And focus on a healthy meat for dinner.

3. Do you find this kind of tracking helpful? Its helpful to a point, but I wouldn't keep checking my nutrition status with this set up. It doesn't give accurate amounts and not everything is listed. Looking at the values I didn't realize with the vitamins: amounts of fruits and veggies that I exceeded the percentage. (that's a good thing). But then again, it may not be accurate.

In conclusion, this lab helped reassure me the importance of maintaining a healthy "food pyramid" diet. Our bodies need the food to stay energized, maintain function, metabolism, and growth. Our bodies can not do this without our physical job of supplying the bodies daily requirements. The food I entered in the beginning is a usual diet I try and stick to; not only for me but for my baby. I don't feel it is necessary to 'eat for two' as long as I am able to eat a well-balanced meal. Nutrition is important, and I like to think I am eating well to support my points.