Food journal analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Food journal analysis - Essay Example Of these foods, the yogurt and the cheese are complete proteins while the beans are an incomplete protein. The beans and cheese combined together become a complementary protein. I took in more than the daily recommended amount of protein. This did surprise me because I didn't include any meat into my daily intake, which is what I would have assumed would take me over the daily limit. Clearly meat is not the only food that can serve as a good protein source. In order to bring my protein down and to better balance my diet I can cut down the portion sizes that contain protein such as the servings of beans and cheese, and I can add more fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, as well as some more fiber rich foods such as whole grains. If I had eaten beans and cheese only once during the day rather than twice, I probably would have taken in the recommended amount of protein and I could have then eaten some of the other foods that I am lacking in place of that unneeded protein. Protein is one of the most essential elements of our diet and is often referred to as the building block in our body because of its function in the growth and repair of our tissue. According to the CNPP website, proteins are involved in the production of many hormones and are necessary to maintain the immune system and fluid electrolyte balance. They are also involved in the transport of nutrients throughout the body. Given these facts about protein, it is easy to see how insufficient amounts of protein intake could leave the body unable to do some of its most vital functions. Without enough protein the body's tissues would not be capable of repairing themselves. In addition, our muscles, which are fueled by protein, would not grow and develop as they should, and our organs, many of which are made up of muscle tissue, could ultimately suffer and cease to function optimally. Also, our immune system would not be able to function as it should, which would cause more frequent, as well a s more prolonged illness, and our electrolytes would become unbalanced causing all types of health problems.In contrast, too much protein can also pose a problem for the body. According to the CNPP website, too much protein coupled with a lack of enough other essential foods can cause the body to go into a state of ketosis which can wreak havoc on the body causing all types of medical problems. Additionally, many times, high protein intake is coupled with high saturated fat intake, which is also bad for the body and can cause disease and general health problems. Also, a higher than normal protein intake can often coincide with a diet that lacks in other essential areas such as whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruits. This lack in the diet can also lead to health problems and illness. Given these facts, it seems clear that keeping with the recommended daily protein allowance will help to ensure that one's diet remains as healthful as possible as well as adequately and appropriatel y balanced. My fiber intake for the day was 22 grams, which is 3 grams less than the recommended daily intake of 25 grams. I think that this intake is a bit low and I would like to come up to the recommended amount of 25 grams per day. I would like to raise my fiber intake the remaining three grams because I know that fiber is good for me and can serve to help keep my weight under control and my general food