Reflective Essay On Diet

As most of us have busy lives, it is very easy to forego the good nutritional selections and just grab something that is already prepared, rather than plan and cook a whole- some meal. Demanding, hectic lifestyles are often to blame for the majority of poor food choices versus what should be included in a well- balanced nutritional diet. The “My Plate” program is a quick and easy guide that busy Americans can use to break down their dietary intake into groups such as proteins, grains, and vegetables. I recently utilized this program to record my own food intake over three consecutive days and it helped me look at my overall nutritional intake and see exactly what changes I will need to make in order to obtain and maintain a healthy diet and in turn, a healthy lifestyle. “My Plate”

My fiber intake has improved from 12g to 26g, this is great! According to My Plate I should be at 25g now that I made these diet changes, my fiber intake has improved. My iron intake did not improve in a two -week time frame, I was at 10mg and now I am at 12mg. My Plate suggest 18mg is needed. I understand that Iron is very important in my diet, I need to incorporate foods such as beans, spinach and lentils. I know by doing this I will see a major difference in my energy level. As far as my total calories I am still under 1492 calories and now 1581calories. My plate target should be at 2200 calories. Upon my research eating less than the proper body requirements can have negative effects such as slow metabolism, feeling sluggish and irritable, and also higher risk for nutrient deficiencies. (My fitnesspal, 2014) My protein levels were at a high range, which is not a problem. I was at 68g and according to My Plate I should be at 46g. My carbohydrate intake was 190mg and my target should be 190mg according to My Plate. MY total fat intake I was over during my first diet analysis and I did much