Introduction
Food Diary Recall
The human body is a complex system that relies on various factors to function optimally and maintain a state of balance called homeostasis. Grodner, Escott-Stump, and Dorner (2016) state that health goes beyond the absence of disease and infirmity. It encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
To support these aspects of health, the human body requires a range of nutrients, including carbohydrates, fiber, protein, lipids, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and water. These sources of nutrients provide the body with the energy it needs to move, carry out essential bodily functions, and facilitate healing.
NR 228 24 HR Analysis
Before documenting a personal recall of my meals for a single day, I believed that my diet was generally unhealthy. While I incorporated some nutritional factors, the demands of a busy life made it challenging to maintain healthy eating habits consistently. Living in the technologically advanced age we do, I felt reasonably knowledgeable about what constitutes a healthy diet and what does not.
As Aboueid, Bourgeault, and Giroux (2018) highlighted, we are experiencing an information revolution, providing us access to a wealth of knowledge about healthy lifestyles. However, despite this abundance of information, achieving a consistently nutritious diet remains a struggle.
Although my food recall for that particular day consisted of good dietary choices, I must acknowledge that not every day reflects the same level of health consciousness for me. The realities of daily life and various factors can sometimes make it challenging to maintain a consistently healthy eating pattern.
NR 228 24 HR Analysis
Diet Plan
Improving my diet could involve reducing the consumption of fats and processed foods, particularly on busy days when it becomes more challenging to make healthier choices. One noticeable gap in my dietary intake is the insufficient consumption of fruits, dairy, and grains. This discrepancy can be attributed to the high cost and limited time to purchase and prepare fresh produce. While I believe that my protein and vegetable intake is relatively well-balanced, addressing the dairy portion of my diet poses a challenge due to experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.
As a result, I rarely incorporate dairy products into my meals. However, water is my primary fluid intake and a staple in my everyday life. As stated in “Nutritional Foundations and Clinical Applications,” women should consume nine cups of water daily for optimal health (2016). Considering the dynamic nature of my lifestyle and my involvement in various activities, it feels as though I may need to increase my water intake to support my body’s hydration needs adequately.
NR 228 24 HR Analysis
Conclusion
In conclusion, the food diary recall highlighted that I could make healthy choices and meet the recommended fluid intake most days. This analysis has provided valuable insights to guide my decisions, especially considering my fast-paced lifestyle. I am now more determined to prioritize eating nutritious meals and snacks. To improve my dietary habits, I will select fewer fatty options and incorporate a greater variety of fruits. This approach will contribute to a healthier diet and assist in meeting my fluid intake goals, particularly during busy periods. I can proactively support my overall well-being and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle by being more mindful of my nutritional choices.
References
Aboueid, S., Bourgeault, I., & Giroux, I. (2018). Nutrition care practices of primary care providers for weight management in multidisciplinary primary care settings in Ontario, Canada – a qualitative study. BMC Family Practice, 19(1), N.PAG. doi:10.1186/s12875-018-0760-3
Grodner, M., Escott-Stump, S., Dorner, S. (2016). Nutritional Foundations and Clinical Applications: A Nursing Approach, 6th Edition. [Vitalsource]. Retrieved from
