Christina Germann's Professional Portfolio

NFSC 360: Nutrition through the Life Cycle

Assignment Title: Life Cycle Project

What I learned: From this assignment I learned about the importance of entering the field to make observations about meal patterns, and eating habits. I learned what to look for and what questions to ask. I was able to able to learn how to approach people in the field to ask them questions, and at the same time make them feel comfortable. One of the most important lessons I learned from this project is to use al of my senses, such as what did I see? What did I hear? What did I smell?

Reflection to the assignment: Although I was a little ambivalent to complete this assignment, I went forward with an open mind.  It was tough to go out into the field, among strangers, and start asking questions, and just watching.  This was the first real assignment that I had to go into the field and work with complete strangers. It did make me confident, and more comfortable talking to people about their eating habits, and nutrition.

Relevance to the profession: Observation is key to our profession. It is important in a clinical setting, nutrition counseling setting, and in a community setting. As nutritionists, it is required to get to know the people we are serving to understand how we can help them. It is also useful to have background information on the nutritional requirements of people of all stages of life.