Nutrition article analysis

1. Title of Article, Author:

2.

Source (Magazine/Newspaper Title, Date Published):

3.

Link to article (URL) – or, please submit a copy of the article with this assignment. (5 points)

4.

Topic(s) Covered: (5 points)

5.

Strengths of the article: (10 points)

6.

Weaknesses of the article: (10 points)

7.

Is the nutrition information presented evidence-based? Explain your rationale. Does the author cite

his/her sources? (10 points)

8. Why did you choose this article? What did you learn from reading it? (5 points)

9. Is this article clear? If the reader wanted to make a change in his/her eating habits based on the information in the article, would s/he have enough information to do so? (5 points)

1. Title of Article, Author:

"Dodge holiday weight gain with these healthy eating hacks", Melinda Fulmer

2.

Source (Magazine/Newspaper Title, Date Published):

LA Times, November 24, 2016.

3.

Link to article (URL) – or, please submit a copy of the article with this assignment. (5 points)

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-healthy-eating-hacks-20161114-story.html

4.

Topic(s) Covered: (5 points)

Strategies to avoid over eating at holiday parties, mindful eating, healthy alternatives to high-calorie holiday foods, and general health and wellness tips.

5.

Strengths of the article: (10 points)

The article's main strength is its sources. The author quotes a Physician and a Registered Dietician Nutritionist, rather than a blogger or food writer, so most of the advice given is realistic and based in sound nutrition. The article strikes a good balance between mindful eating strategies and good nutrition advice. Because of these sources the article does not perpetuate extreme diet techniques or make unhealthy recommendations such as excluding food groups. Instead, the author encourages readers to slow down when eating and she makes realistic suggestions for both meals to choose before a holiday party and nutritionally-rich foods to focus on at the buffet line. Food suggestions include fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, and the author does not suggest excluding high fat or high sugar foods but instead offers ways that readers can savor rich foods in smaller portions. For example, the RD cited explains that "Many people . . . shamefully rush through their indulgences without really being present to the taste and mouthfeel". Finally, the article also considers overall wellbeing as a reason why individuals struggle with holiday eating, explaining that added holiday stress and reduced sleep may also be reasons that individuals don't always select healthy meals during the holidays. Overall, the author's focus on balance, mindfulness, and holistic health, as well as it's grounding in sound nutrition sources make the article very persuasive.

6.

Weaknesses of the article: (10 points)

The author takes some liberties with nutrition advice that may not be suitable for all readers, and in a few cases makes statements that are over generalizations. In one case, the physician Michael Hirt is paraphrased on his "STOP" method for holiday eating. The T in stop stands for the "three bite rule" based on a brain imaging study that showed neurological stimulation reduced by half upon taking the second mouthful of food and "the third bite roughly comparable to the 40th (sic)". Both the brain imaging study and the resulting nutrition guidance is overgeneralized and somewhat unclear here. The study is poorly explained and is not cited, so it is not possible for readers to further investigate its methodology or replicability. Then the author states that cravings can be subdued by exactly three bites of pie, which is an assertion that is not grounded in evidence and would likely be considered to be very far-reaching to the lead researchers. The author goes on to state that after your craving is satisfied, you should fill the remainder of your plate with salad greens and "plenty of turkey as well". While turkey and salad are likely to be safe for many consumers, this advice aligns with current trends towards paleo diets and other high-protein meal plans, which have not been proven to be ideal for all people. Furthermore, the suggestion to consume "plenty of turkey" is inadvisable for individuals on reduced sodium diets and vegetarians. A similar over generalization towards high-protein intake is made late in the article when the author recommends readers "Eat a turkey wrap or big salad with plenty of chicken or salmon for lunch the day of a party". Words like "plenty" and "big" imply that bottomless salad with unlimited protein is the cure-all meal for your holiday hunger.

7.

Is the nutrition information presented evidence-based? Explain your rationale. Does the author cite

his/her sources? (10 points)

The information presented in this article is not evidence based. Evidence-based nutrition guidelines are peer-reviewed standards based on scientific evidence. A few studies are cited, and the author used reliable sources to present reasonable health tips, but none of the recommendations made were based on empirical scientific evidence. The only recommendation made that comes close to evidence-based is the line "Make sure that vegetables also are the star of your plate", which comes close to ChooseMyPlate's recommendation to make half your plate fruit and vegetable. While many of eating strategies presented are aligned with accepted intuitive and mindful eating techniques, no one method or intervention has yet been proven to prevent over-eating or weight gain. Dr. Hirt's "STOP" method is not an evidence-based strategy for preventing holiday overconsumption, but that's not to say that it would not be helpful for some people. The author does cite the individuals she interviewed, but the study and other statistics referenced by interviewees are not cited.

8. Why did you choose this article? What did you learn from reading it? (5 points)

I choose this article because I enjoyed the focus on enjoying and savoring all holiday foods. I am interested in learning to eat my food more mindfully, and I appreciated the RD’s guidance to keep the focus on “creating joyful, healthful eating experiences.” I struggle to slow down and enjoy my food so reading the article motivated me to go into the next food gathering with a more positive and mindful attitude. Reading this article also helped me to reflect on the stress I am feeling about the upcoming holiday season and consider the importance that sleep and meditation can play in helping me to manage that stress.

9. Is this article clear? If the reader wanted to make a change in his/her eating habits based on the information in the article, would s/he have enough information to do so? (5 points)

Overall, most of the message in this article is clear, with only specific areas where the reader would be left guessing. The author has written the article intending to provide practical tips for her readers, many of the straightforward strategies could be implemented to improve readers’ eating habits. After reading the article it would be reasonable to reduce alcohol intake at parties – the author encourages opting for a lower calorie alcoholic drink, alternating between alcohol and water, and aiming to leave a party sober. Readers could also choose nutritional buffet items like baked apples, roasted root vegetables, or bring a healthy side dish to increase the nutritious choices available. Readers might implement some of the mindful eating strategies, such as slowing down to eat, surveying the food options before getting in line, or giving themselves permission to eat delicious foods as long as they savor the experience. Areas where the article lacks clarity is in the author’s suggestion to eat “plenty” of holiday turkey and salads with “lots” of chicken or salmon. The author does not make portion recommendations for any high-protein foods, and does not offer any information about selecting low-sodium or lean proteins. The author also makes several suggestions for “healthy” holiday alternative dishes, but without specific recipes it’s unclear that readers would actually select meals that are lower in fat, sugar, or calories than traditional dishes. The article also fails to mention anything about grain or dairy dishes, leaving it unclear to the reader if these foods should be avoided, substituted for alternate dishes, or piled on alongside the turkey.

Full Credit (pts vary)

Partial Credit (pts vary)

No Credit (0 pts)

1-3. Article selection (5 pts)

The selected article is linked or attached, is related to nutrition, and was published within the last 6 months. (5 pts)

The article is linked or attached, but is not nutrition related or was published over 6 months ago. (2/3 pts)

No article is linked or attached.

1. Topic(s) covered (5 pts)

Topics listed accurately reflect the issues addressed in the article. (5 pts)

Student only lists some issues addressed in the article. (2 pts)

Student does not respond to this question.

2. Article strengths (10 pts)

Student provides two strengths of the article with detail and supporting examples from the text (10 pts)

Student responds to the question but provides less than two strengths or inadequately explains strengths (5 pts)

Student does not respond to this question or does not give full sentence answers.

3. Article weaknesses (10 pts)

Student provides two weaknesses of the article with detail and supporting examples from the text (10 pts)

Student responds to the question but provides less than two weaknesses or inadequately explains weaknesses. (5 pts)

Student does not respond to this question or does not give full sentence answers.

4. Evidence-based information and citations (10 pts)

Student demonstrates understanding evidence-based information and supports their rationale (5 pts). Student identifies if author cites sources and gives an example (5 pts).

Student fails to respond to one of the questions, or responds but has vague understanding of evidence-based and/or proper citation. (5 pts)

Student does not respond to this question or does not give full sentence answers.

5. Student’s article choice and learning (5 pts)

Student reflects on their interest in the article. (2 pts) Student reflects on areas of learning or personal improvement from the article. (3 pts)

Student fails to respond to one of the questions, or responds but gives vague explanation (2 pts)

Student does not respond to this question or does not give full sentence answers.

6. Article clarity & applicability to reader(s) (5 pts)

Student reflects on article clarity & applicability overall and gives supporting reason(s) for opinion. (5 pts)

Student responds to question but fails to explain opinion adequately. (2 pts)

Student does not respond to this question or does not give full sentence answers.