Personal Narrative: My Food Intake In Iprofile

After completing my three day food intake in iProfile, I was given a closer examination at where my strengths and weaknesses lie in terms of my diet. Most of my protein came in the form of protein shakes, and meat, my carbohydrates were from waffles or the occasional potato, and my lipid intake is from the meat I eat. I noticed that I consume a lot of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and not enough carbohydrates. I feel in order to meet my DRI for carbohydrates I could add more whole grains like wheat bread, or brown rice and that may help. I do feel that most of the protein I ate are complete proteins since they came from meat and eggs, but I also supplement amino acids into my diet since I am so physically active and need the extra boost
to protein synthesis. It is important to get a lot of complete proteins because they contain the essential amino acids that they body doesn’t produce on its own. So after my three days of recording I realized that I am not eating the proper amount of calories for my level of activity, and that I need to eat more carbohydrates. I plan to remedy this by trying to eat smaller more varied meals throughout the day in addition to what I normally eat.
Macronutrient intake is important for many reason, the main one being providing the body with the appropriate level of energy.
Too much macronutrient intake can lead to obesity and disease, while too little can lead to a weakened immune system, and a general level of weakness and malnutrition. Protein is a macronutrient which in proper amounts helps build muscle and support organ function. Too much protein can lead to liver problems, kidney problems, and weight gain, and not enough can leave you with poor muscle tone, and can impair your immune system. Eating too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity, while not consuming enough can lead to malnutrition. Eating too many food sources containing fat or lipids can lead to higher cholesterol and cardiac disease, while eating the right amount can help decrease the risk of high cholesterol and heart
disease.
Fiber in my diet didn’t quite make the mark either during the three days covered according to my iProfile. I can see why this would be so considering I really don’t eat many whole grains. I do try and eat a lot of vegetables and fruit, but I am thinking I am really going to need to increase this. Most of my daily fiber comes from my morning meals which generally consist of eggs, and some form of fruit.
So after three days of recording what I eat, I can see that while I do not include a lot of unhealthy foods in my diet, I do not include enough food into my diet period.
I am a heavily active individual, and as such I am realizing that I need to bring up my calorie intake to properly fuel my body. I meet my protein intake but fall short everywhere else. I will be trying to eat more fiber and carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables from now on. My meals have been incorporating ,more legumes since the start of this class and I am going to be trying to find ways to increase my fiber intake. I don’t drink juice, but I imagine if I did, it could help increase my caloric intake as well as my fiber intake. I do take in a proper amount of protein, so I don’t worry about any problems with muscle development or impaired organ function, but I keep consumption in safe levels to avoid kidney problems. Carbohydrates are something I can increase since a lack of them can contribute to malnutrition and general weakness. A sufficient amount of fiber is important too since it helps bowel function and will help prevent diseases like diverticulitis. Lastly, the proper amount of fat in your diet is necessary to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and help prevent heart
disease.

Works cited

1. rose, D. (10, october 2010). How important are complete proteins. Retrieved from http://www.northjersey.com/news/105653523_How_important_are_complete_proteins_.html 2. wavey, D. (3, june 2011). 8 side effects of too much protein. Retrieved from http://www.daveywaveyfitness.com/nutrition/8-side-effects-of-too-much-protein 3. carbohydrate nutrition. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/nutrition/carbohydrates/ 4. http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/fats/lipids-fatty-acids-sterols-and-triglycerides-explained.html#b 5. Wardlaw, G. M., & Smith, A. M. (2011). Contemporary nutrition. (8th ed., Vol. 8). New York: McGraw-Hill Companies.