Instructions for the Diet Analysis Project

The Diet Analysis Project Instructions  Download (click here to print)

GOAL: Students will learn how to enter food record data and obtain and interpret diet analysis reports using the USDA’s Super Tracker software online.

A.      Learning Objectives: After completing this UNIT, students will be able to:

  1. Keep track of all water, foods, and beverages consumed for 3 consecutive days.
  2. Enter a daily food record into diet analysis software.
  3. Generate food intake and nutrient intake reports from food record data.
  4. Use the Super Tracker website to construct a set of reports adequate to analyze a diet.
  5. Compare the average daily food intake to My Plate recommendations.
  6. Determine quantities of macro and micro nutrients consumed daily and over a three-day period.
  7. Compare actual nutrient intakes to standard nutrient recommendations.
  8. Assess the quality of food choices (a diet) over a short period.
  9. Recognize strengths and weaknesses of a diet.
  10. Use established food and nutrients intake guidelines (such as My Plate and DRI) to recommend changes for improving the quality of a diet.     

 

 B.   Learning Resource Materials:

  1. Textbook: Nutrition, 5th Edition
  2. Websites:
    1. The USDA’s Nutrition Website: WWW.ChooseMYPlate.gov Links to an external site.
    2.  Super Tracker Website:  https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/default.aspx Links to an external site.

 

  1. Videos (optional):
    1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ67QXVJKBg Links to an external site.   WARNING: Certain steps stated as “optional” in the video are NOT optional for completing your diet analysis assignment.
    2. How to Create a Super Tracker Profile   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ67QXVJKBg&list=UUNnBe12n6q4QT39Fz2y7BPg&index=8 Links to an external site.
    3. Super Tracker Tutorial       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRIlourUJoA Links to an external site.

 

 C.   Assignments: 

  1. Prepare a food journal according to instructions given in this file attachment .  Download 3-Day Food Record Journal - Su13.pdf
  2. Use the instructions given in the attachment to generate and download reports listed   Download Diet Analysis Reports from Super Tracker.pdf
  3. Write an essay evaluating the results seen in the diet analysis reports downloaded from Super Tracker. Be sure to follow all instructions given in the Diet Evaluation Essay file attachment.  Download Instructions for Writing the Diet Evaluation Essay.pdf

 

Discussion Forum: See discussion board to submit this and syllabus for more instructions