Diet Analysis Essay

After getting the data back from my food log and discussing nutrition in class, I have learned that it is really hard to eat a balanced diet. Most portions that we are served at restaurants or we eat are either not enough or too much. It also seems like the food we think is healthy is not always as healthy as we think it is, so when buying food always look at the nutrition label. In the protein section, I find that the total amount eaten is either over or under the amount needed. For a 2,000-calorie diet, the total protein target is 5.5 ounces. This is usually smaller than the size of a steak ordered at a restaurant. Protein is good for the body, but too much protein can be bad in the fact that the body may take the extra protein and change

In a 2,000-calorie diet, the person should consume about 6 ounces. The carbohydrates are broken down into sugars, starches, and fiber. Sugars and starches from the food eaten are broken down into glucose, which is the body’s energy source. The fiber taken in cannot be broken down, but can help by lowering cholesterol levels and bulking up the stool. Fats or lipids in food is a lot easier to come by. Lipids can be broken into saturated, unsaturated, and trans fat. All of which are easy to find in many of our favorite foods. Some fat is good in a well-balanced diet. In a 2,000-calorie diet, 20 grams of saturated fat should be consumed. Unsaturated fat is good and is able to be broken down by the body naturally. Saturated fat is not the best for the body and should be limited. Trans fat is not good at all for the body and should be eliminated the best it can. Vegetables, fruits, and dairy are also important components of a diet but are low in amounts. In a 2,000-calorie diet, 2.5 ounces of vegetables, 1.5 of fruits, and 3 cups of dairy should be consumed. All of these are packed with nutrients that the body needs, like calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and