One week survey was conducted on grades 1 to 3 junior high school students in A-City by photographing them before and after the meals and using the simplified record of meals. Based on the survey data of 127 students whose photographic images were readable, the method of one-week meal survey and its reliability, the gender and the stature differences, the influences of school lunches and meal classification were studied by using the classification according to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. After ascertaining that there were a few underestimate reports due to the extended number of survey days, we found significant gender differences in staple foods, main dishes, milk and milk products. The mean differences, however, were all for less than one serving, we considered that it was not necessary to attach particular importance in the nutrition education using the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. Comparison of statures revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Effect of school lunches was such that the intake of side dishes, milk and milk product significantly decreased on school holidays, suggesting that improving the meals on school holidays was essential. Use of images enabled surveys of comparatively long terms. The survey also suggested that analyses using the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top to enable understanding of “how much” of “what” should be eaten could be useful in the dietary education in junior high schools. Study of respective meals revealed “when” the meals were taken, which could be used as references for concrete nutrition education.

View full abstract