21st Annual Student Research Conference
A Dietary Analysis of Lunchbox Choices for Preschool Children
Brendan R. Zee-Cheng* and Rebecca D. Bahrmasel
Prof. Liz Jorn and Ms. Evonne C. Bird, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to investigate lunchbox choices parents make for their preschool children in a single-blind study (parents unaware). Fifty-six preschool children (M=31, F=25, age=3.9 ±0.8yrs.) in a small rural community were observed for two lunch periods and their lunchbox contents were recorded and analyzed using the mypyramid.gov website-My Pyramid Tracker. The USDA recommends 1400 Calories per day for this age group. These subjects averaged 671 ±174 Calories per lunch ranging from 311-1329 Calories, fat content of 24.2 ±9.3 g (32% of average Calories), sodium content at 998 ±421 mg, and fiber intake of 4.8 ±2.9 g. General observations show a lack of variety in lunches. Also, it should be noted that our study analyzed the contents of lunchboxes, not necessarily what was consumed. Results show that parents require more education regarding preparing healthy, age-appropriate lunch choices for their children in order to nurture good nutritional habits.
Keywords: nutritional analysis, food choices, mypyramid, food, lunchbox, preschool, nutritional habits, calories
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-10
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15