Methods of Dietary Assessment

Dietary Assessment It is almost impossible to give guidelines for the ideal diet. Why? Ideal diet depends on many factors: Age Sport Build Performance Requirements Personal Likes / Dislikes Ambitions.

Would these athletes have similar dietary requirements?

Methods Of Dietary Assessment There are certain methods and techniques that have been developed by nutritionists to monitor what foods athletes eat. These are primarily designed to: Monitor the amounts of the different food groups the athlete is ingesting. Ensure that the right foods are being eaten prior to and after competition

Assessment Methods Diaries Recording Sheets Interviews Software Packages Observation

Diary This is probably the most common method of dietary assessment. It basically involves the athlete recording everything that they eat and drink 24 / 7.

Recording Sheet Same principle as a diary but meals are recorded in more detail. Such as exact amount of food eaten. Either in weight – grams, ounces, tbs etc. Or Calorific value of each meal eaten such as calories or grams of carbs, protein and fats.

Software Packages Software packages have been designed to try and make the whole process of recording food intake easier. But inputting certain data into a software package the computer can calculate your calorie intake. This allows you to monitor very accurately your daily intake of food.

Interviews / Observation This involves a third party usually a fitness coach or sports nutritionist. They will spend time with the athlete usually living with them at home or in a training camp. This allows them to study the eating habits of the athlete. It also allows them to see exactly what foods the athlete is eating. Interviews can take place before during and after an observation.

Research Task 1.Record your food / fluid intake in the form of a food diary for 1 week. Include everything that you eat and drink. You must also record any exercise you do during the 1 week period. 2.Record your food / fluid intake in the form of a diet recording sheet for 1 week. Include everything that you eat and drink. You must also record any exercise you do during the 1 week period. 3.Go to and use the daily meal planner to convert the meals you recorded in your diary in task 1 into exact nutritional values. 4.You and a partner of your choice must observe and record each others food / fluid intake for 1 week. When you are unable to observe them (when not in school) you must record what they ate via a phone, msn or face to face interview.