The purpose of this assignment is to learn how to analyze a 3-day diet and compare the intakes

to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Your paper should meet the following standards: double
spaced, 10 or 12-inch standard type font (examples: Arial or Times New Roman), and 2 to 3
pages in length (excluding table).

Instructions:

Choose a 3-day diet to analyze (Diet A – 19-year-old male, well-trained American football player,
Diet B – 21-year-old female, recreational runner, or Diet C – 30-year-old male, recreational
basketball player). If you purchased MindTap for this course, you may utilize the Diet and
Wellness Plus analysis program that is included. If you did not purchase MindTap, you can
analyze the diet using www.cronometer.com. (Select “Macro ratios” in Macronutient Targets
and “Track Carbohydrates as Total Carbohydrates” in Tracking Carbohydrates if you use
Cronometer).

Compare the results found with the DRIs for that individual. This should be done using the table
provided. The DRIs can be found in the back of your textbook (Appendix A and DRI charts that
list recommended dietary allowances and adequate intakes for vitamins and
elements–minerals) or in Table A1-2 in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
(www.dietaryguidelines.gov). Be sure you are referencing the correct DRIs based on age,
gender, and physical activity level!

Then, write a plan for the individual explaining how they could improve their intake of nutrients
by eating different foods, changing their patterns, etc. Any nutrients that are over-consumed or
under-consumed should be addressed.

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An important note: The DRIs are designed for the general population. Many athletes require
adjustments in their macronutrient proportions (example: more carbohydrates and/or protein,
less fat) to suit their sport (training, performance, and recovery), goals, and/or dietary
preferences.

To summarize, the following steps should be completed:

1. Choose a diet to analyze (Diet A, Diet B, or Diet C).
2. Analyze the diet using MindTap’s Diet and Wellness Plus program or Cronometer.
3. Compare the results found from the analysis to the DRIs that align with the age, gender,
and physical activity level of the person’s diet you analyzed.
4. Insert the DRIs and the results from your analysis into the table provided.
5. Discuss all nutrient excesses (greater than 120 % DRI) and deficiencies (less than 80 % of
DRI). If your analysis includes caffeine and/or alcohol, you may discuss these items as
well (see Chapter 10, Section 4 of your text for recommendations).
6. Create a plan for the individual to improve their intake, helping them to better meet the
DRIs. Include specific foods they may consume/reduce to improve nutrient
deficiencies/excesses. Address whether their physical activity should increase, decrease,
or remain the same (explain why).

Diet Analysis