The Inclusion of a Wide Variety of Food - Case Study Example

Proposal for Funding Solutions/Project Paper Grant Audience: UROP Problem: Have you noticed a rise in health problems around you? Most of these are nutritional problems that result all because of an imbalance in diet. A balanced diet is the right intake of food at right time. It supplies the human body with everything it needs; the correct ratio of energy and nutrients is what makes up a healthy balanced diet. A healthy balanced diet is a combination of food from different sources or food groups. The inclusion of a wide variety of food allows the body to receive all the macro and micronutrients that a human body requires. A balanced diet includes a staple food. Other foods that can be added too are, pulses or food from animal sources and a minimum of one food from plant source, a small amount of fat or oil may also be used for the sole purpose of enhancing the taste and for the provision of energy (Burgess & Glasauer, 2004). Many dieticians suggest adding a snacking session in between regular meals. Snacking is referred to as the amount of food eaten within fifteen minute duration (Woodward-Lopez, 2006). The definition of snacking varies depending upon several factors such as the when snack is being eaten, the amount of snack being eaten, how frequently snack is taken in a day, the type of food being eaten for snacking purposes and where the snack is being eaten (Coulston, Rock & Monsen, 2001). Children have proven to love munching on sweets or beverage. According to some speculations, the two important factors leading to child obesity are skipping of breakfast and increased consumption of snacks. The consumption of salty snacks also contribute towards a higher amount of carbohydrates and fats in the body. Salty snacks also result in an increased level of sodium. However, the link between breakfast skipping and higher snack intake remains controversial with no conclusive results (Davies, Fitzgerald & Mousouli, 2008). There have also been evidences of tooth decay in people who consume a great proportion of snack. Tooth decay occurs as a result of acid attacks on the teeth. The consumption of high amount of sugar in the form of cakes, carbonated drinks and confectionary items are the leading cause of tooth decay (Zaura, van Loveren & ten Cate, 2005) To gain knowledge about the snacking behavior of people and how it adversely affects their health, I propose a research project. The project will take place in several locations and there is no limitation to the location. However, fast food restaurants will be preferred. The study will be aimed towards young adults or teenagers. The study will consist of about 500 participants where the teenagers will be asked about their snacking behavior and there will be some physical assessment of the participant such as their weight and their body BMI would also be calculated. Audience for Proposal: There are many researchers according to which the behavior of snacking is harmful for health and is often considered a habit that has harmful effects on the health of a human. Snacking has become very popular with the dynamic changes of the life style of almost every human being. An average adult now consumes food 6.5 times in a day. Researches also suggest that majority of the people residing in the UK snack regularly most commonly at home (88%) while few snack at work (28%). Out of the 6.5 times, 4.8 are snacks and are considered as non meal sessions. The adults snack on fruits, some chocolates and also some sweets, biscuits or cakes and certain bakery items. But the children are usually fond of sweets and junk food. Although snacking is considered beneficial for athletes, at the same time it is considered harmful for children and people who are inactive since it may lead to obesity (Carr & Decheemaeker, 2003). There are many researches that point towards a relationship between snacking and body weight or body mass index (BMI) (Coulston, Rock & Monsen, 2001). Snacking is seen in all age groups and has increased to about 84% in adults. The most common snacks chosen by teens in 1976-1980 were potato chips, sweets, popcorn, bakery items and soft drink. The healthy food items such as fruits and vegetables were rarely seen. Studies also reveal that overweight people are more prone towards snacking (Woodward-Lopez, 2006). Goals: 1. Behavioral patterns relating to snacking will be observed The questionnaires involved will research on when people usually snack, the amount of snacks they usually have and the type of snacks they usually have. This will clearly demonstrate the ratios and also help in comparison between the different types of snack that people prefer to eat. 2. Effect of Snacking on Health The participants will be further questioned about their health such as their weight and if they have any other health problems. They will then be evaluated based on he answers that they give. BMI will be calculated which will help to conclude if the participant is obese. Method: The method used in the research will be based on questionnaires which is a quantitative type of research methods. The questions included will be a combination of both close and open ended. The participants will be asked questions regarding their snacking habits and how often do they snack. Other questions that will be included will question the proportion of snack consumed, on which time of the day the snack is being consumed, the type of food preferred to snack on. Some open ended questions that will be included will ask questions about their health problems; that is, if they have any and if they have noticed any change in their health after snacking. Special importance should be given to the weight of the participant because that is an important factor to determine the negative effects of snacking on health. The questionnaires will also help to establish the age group that most commonly prefer to snack. The answers will then be represented graphically which will help to compare the age groups and the most preferred snack item. Products: The product of this research is the outcome that will be a quantitative approach that is only thought about. People would have results that are based on facts and figures and the paper will also be published to various sources which will allow easy access to researchers so that everyone can benefit from it and learn the truth. People will learn the value of good nutrition and also good health of an individual. The utilization of the findings of the research will help encourage good practices related to nutrition, health and maintenance of a healthy balanced diet. People will realize the harmful effects of this unpleasant habit of consumption of calories. Works Cited: Burgess, A., & Glasauer, P. (2004). Family nutrition guide. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Woodward-Lopez, G. (2006). Obesity. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis. Coulston, A., Rock, C., & Monsen, E. (2001). Nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease. San Diego, Calif.: Academic Press. Carr, T., & Decheemaeker, K. (2003). Nutrition and Health - Current topics - 3. Belgium: Garant Publishers. Davies, H., Fitzgerald, H., & Mousouli, V. (2008). Obesity in childhood and adolescence. Westport, Conn.: Praeger. Zaura, E., van Loveren, C., & ten Cate, J. (2005). Efficacy of Fluoride Toothpaste in Preventing Demineralization of Smooth Dentin Surfaces and Narrow Grooves in situ under Frequent Exposures to Sucrose or Bananas. Caries Res, 39(2), 116-122. doi:10.1159/000083156 Read More