Reference no: EM133206810

Assignment: Energy Balance & Infant Nutrition

Part A: Energy Balance

Choose a "popular" diet to research and review. You can include The South Beach Diet, Atkins Diet, etc. Thoroughly research this diet, using reputable sources including some that are not published by the creators of the diet you have chosen. Once you have researched the diet, answer the following:

1. Describe the diet itself. For instance, what foods are included, are any foods prohibited, what is the macronutrient distribution, etc.

2. What claims does the diet make? Are they sound? Why or why not? Use what you have learned in class up until this point to analyze the claims.

3. Would you consider this a healthy diet overall? Why or why not? Consider possible drug interactions with components of the diet that are emphasized.

4. Would this diet be appropriate for any certain populations (e g., athletes, elderly, etc.)? Would this diet be appropriate for all populations? Consider variables such as cost, cultural influences, and sustainability. Why or why not?When searching the topic of diets on the internet, you will come across more false information than accurate information, so be sure and assess your sources' reputability prior to using them to support your post.

Part B: Infant Nutrition

Infant nutrition is critically important, as an infant typically triples his birth weight and increases his length by 50% in the first year of life alone! Without proper nutrition, this stage of enormous growth can be jeopardized. With this in mind, answer the questions below.

1. What are the energy (kcal) and protein requirements for an infant from age 0-6 months and 6 months to 1 year? How does this compare to your energy and protein intake? You will need to figure out your kcal and protein intake as g/kg/day to make this comparison.

2. The diet of an infant, prior to solid food introduction, consists of either breast milk or formula. When mothers make the choice of what to feed their child during this time, what factors come into play? For example, some cultures may be more accepting of breast feeding than others.

3. At what point is solid food recommended to be added to an infant's diet? Nutritionally speaking, why is this? Each infant is different, so how can it be determined when a certain infant is ready for solid foods?

4. During the first year of life, what are appropriate foods and beverages to serve to an infant? Are there any foods or beverages that should be avoided during this time?