Question

These are 2 typical teen lunches and nutritional information for each.

	Meal 1 2 slices pepperoni pizza 1 chocolate candy bar 20 oz cola	Meal 2 1 large hamburger 30 french fries 20 oz cola	Nutrient Needs for Teens
Energy (kcal)	1100	1000	Males: 3000 Females: 2200
Protein	32	20	Males: 59 Females: 44
Vitamin C (mg)	5	18	Both genders: 45 to 75
Vitamin A (g RAE)	300	10	Males: 900 Females: 700
Iron (mg)	3	4	Males: 11 Females: 15
Calcium (mg)	545	100	Both genders: 1300

Keeping in mind that meals should meet about one-third of nutrient needs, what are the shortcomings and excesses of these meals? That is, given the nutritional information, compare these meals with one-third the RDA for protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

How would you change these meals to improve balance and meet nutrient needs?

Reflect on your food choices as a teenager. Do you think your meal choices were balanced and varied? Why or why not? What could you have done to improve your nutritional habits at that time? How do your nutritional habits differ now?

Answer 1

On comparing the above mentioned data:

Meal 1 provide good amout of protein,vitamin A, and calcium.

Vitamin C and iron is not sufficient in meal 1.there should be some citrus fruits like orage,lemon and iron rich food.

On the other side,

Meal 2 provide good amount of protein, vitamin C, and iron.but fails to provide sufficient amount of vitamin A and calcium.

Hence,food rich in vitamin A like sweet potatoes, carrots,leafy green food like kalea and spinach,squash etc. and calcium rich food like milk,kale,sardine, yogurt etc should be included for balanced diet and proper nutrition.