How to Write a Report in Nutrition: Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Paper Writing

Writing guide
Posted on February 18, 2020

Nutrition is a popular topic for college reports. Nutrition is the science that studies how food provides the necessary nutrients for the body’s functions. The nutrition of food plays a crucial role in determining its impact on our health. Everybody eats food and has to choose between healthy and unhealthy meals. Nutrition deals not only with eating habits but also with health problems and benefits connected with food preferences. Many students are assigned essays on nutrition to explore various aspects of healthy eating and dietary choices. Students often find difficulty in the selection of a topic that can intrigue the target audience. There are too many articles and investigations devoted to nutrition. They serve as a perfect assistant for report writing.

Successful papers start with proper planning and creation of an outline. An outline includes a structure of the report, a time frame, links to the sources (page numbers), and ideas for further research. This article provides a detailed manual for everyone who needs to write an excellent report in nutrition.

Essay vs. Report: What’s the Difference?

There is so much academic homework that a student might get confused. A student should remember that the task is to write a report but not an essay. There is a huge difference between these two types of academic assignments.

An essay has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. It can be formal and semi-formal. Tutors expect to see students’ ability to express themselves. Its goal is to show anauthor’s point of view. Students might have to persuade, narrate, explain, compare or tell the reason for the problem in essays. The task depends on the essay type and college requirements.

A report demands data collection, then its analysis, and systematizing. Its purpose is to inform the target audience about the key problem and its solution. A report aims at convincing someone in something or just providing the information. Besides the 3 basic components (an introduction, a body, and a conclusion), a report requires sections, headings, and subheadings. Such a structure lets a reader look through the document and find the needed information quickly. Each report ends with an author’s suggestions or offers concerning the solution of the represented problem.

A Report in Nutrition: Guideline Telling Where to Start and How to Finish

Inexperienced students should have a manual that might help to write an excellent report. The instruction below can be a perfect assistant in this college task.

Study the requirements

First of all, it is necessary to study the college requirements. A person can find out whether the report should persuade or just inform the target audience about something. It is very essential to make sure that a student understands what to do. It will also say who the target audience is. Moreover, there will be details about the formatting and structure. If a student has some questions, it will be better to ask them as soon as possible. Misunderstanding never brings luck.

Select a worthy topic

A person feels more engaged when writing about the topic he or she is interested in. That is why it is very important to be picky. Nutrition essays can explore issues like the impact of fast food on public health or the benefits of a plant-based diet. These are 10 sample topics that might be captivating and absorbing.

  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Plant-based Diets;
  • “The White Death”: Historical and GeneticalReason for Dangerous Salt Intake;
  • Vitamins in Pills vs. Smoothies: What Is More Effective?
  • The Harm of Industrial Fructose: How Does It Differ from Natural Fructose in Fruits?
  • Does “Zero-Calories”CokeReally Exist?
  • 6-months Barrier: Why People Start Giving “Adult” Food to Newborn Babies Only in Half a Year;
  • Diets or Malnutrition: The Danger of “90-60-90” Fashion;
  • The Relation Between Longevity and Nutrition;
  • Pros and Cons of Ketogenic Diet;
  • Soymilk vs. Regular Milk: Why Chinese Prefer the First Variant
  • The Impact of Processed Foods on Health: An In-depth Analysis.
  • The Role of Gut Microbiota in Digestion and Overall Health.
  • Nutrition and Education: Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Practice.
  • The Link Between Nutrition and Health: Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection.
  • Eco-friendly Environment and Diet: Nurturing Health and your Surroundings.
  • Nutrition Interventions in Managing Chronic Diseases: A Comparative Study.
  • The Influence of Social Media on Nutrition Trends and Behaviors.
  • Food Labeling: Consumer Awareness and Its Effect on Food Choices.
  • The Effectiveness of the Dietary Supplements in Promoting Overall Well-being.
  • Nutrition and Aging: Strategies for Healthy Aging and Disease Prevention.

Sometimes a student cannot select the topic. In that case, a person has to look for something catchy to get inspiration and be able to finish the paper on time. The more useful the paper for the writer is, the more chances a person has to present a valuable report. The best variant is to discuss the topic selection with the tutor. It is necessary to get the boss’s approval before starting writing a report.

Specify the problem in the topic

The topic must be neither too wide nor too narrow. The first one will demand much writing and it will lead to a poorly-organized report. Dealing with the second type, a student might face difficulty in finding enough data for the report to fit the college requirements. Experts recommend finding the golden mean.

Bad variant: Weight Loss (too wide)
Bad variant: Plant-based Diets Prevent Obesity and Improve Human Health Condition (too narrow)
Good variant: Vegetarian Diets as the Best Genetical Variant for Weight Loss

First, students should make sure that there is enough information for the report. Then they can specify the topic and present it to the professor.

Additional Tips for Specifying the Problem in the Topic:

  • Conduct Preliminary Research. Writing a nutrition research paper requires a deep understanding of the subject and extensive analysis of relevant data. Before finalizing your topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure enough relevant information is available. Look for scholarly articles, research papers, and reputable sources related to your topic of interest in nutrition. This will help you gauge data availability and make an informed decision.
  • Define Clear Objectives. Clearly outline the objectives and scope of your report in nutrition. What specific questions do you aim to answer, or what problems do you intend to address through your research? Having well-defined objectives will guide you in narrowing down your topic effectively.
  • Consider Your Audience. Keep your target audience in mind while selecting your nutrition topic. Choose a subject that will resonate with your readers, whether they are health professionals, educators, or individuals interested in nutrition and food. Consider the potential impact of your report on the audience and tailor your topic accordingly.
  • Focus on Emerging Trends. Consider selecting a topic that explores emerging trends or recent developments in nutrition. Highlighting cutting-edge research and innovative approaches will make your report more engaging and relevant. For example, in-depth research on food and nutrition trends has revealed significant shifts in dietary preferences among different age groups.

A Report in Nutrition: What Literature to Choose to Write a Good Paper

For accurate information on nutrition, consult reputable sources such as scientific journals and official health websites. It is impossible to write a report without trustable literature. There are three degrees of value.

  • First sources to consider (interviews, original books, records of witnesses)
  • 2nd importance literature (reviews, manuals, guidelines)
  • 3rd rate literature (summaries, database, indexes)

Professional agencies recommend selecting several sources for a perfect report. Each page of the paper must link to one or two reliable sources. One can find them in the library and online. A person must be sure that the chosen source is reputable. Librarians can indicate the trustable ones. In the case of online literature, one should pay attention to details and check the data before applying it. Scholarly sources fit this purpose best of all. A researcher should look for the data using Lexis Nexis or Google Scholar. These search engines present authoritative publications, websites of the government, works of reputable scientists, etc. If you’re curious about nutrition, numerous books, and online resources are available to learn more about the subject.

Experts also recommend paying attention to the sources other writers have used to write their articles. For example, a student writes about the benefits of olive oil. A researcher will have to study literature to support the report with facts and statistics. One can find them in scientific articles. Moreover, almost every scientific article gives a list of used literature in the end so that a reader can check the validity of the information. A report-writer can investigate these sources to learn more about the efficiency of the oil.
List of reputable online sources one can use to write a report in nutrition:

A person has to be careful when selecting an online source. Today everybody can write an article and publish it. The website must be official and there must be a list of literature a researcher has used in the work.

Pro tip

You can find a lot of useful material on personal blogs of fitness, workout, or Olympic coaches. Their blogs are their way of attracting customers, so the posts are usually the essence of usability. However, make sure that you follow and quote the professionals. Pay attention to their credentials, education, and background.

A Report in Nutrition: Structure One Should Follow to Make It Logical

First of all, a tutor pays attention to the structure of the paper. One of the most important elements is the table of contents. It reflects the ideas and information a student has given in the paper. Consequently, a student is to be aware of the structure to become a true professional.

Outline

An outline is a visualization of the general look of the report. It helps to avoid confusion. One should just research and make notes on margins of the section (page, author, title, citation) to be able to use them later. Having enough materials, a writer can identify the core idea of the paper and create a thesis statement that needs catchy facts leading to research. An outline allows a writer to understand how to connect sections of the paper logically and fill in the data gaps if there are any.

Additional Tips for Creating an Effective Outline:

  • Define the Main Sections: Identify the main sections of your nutrition report based on the topics or themes you want to cover. Each section should focus on a specific aspect of nutrition and contribute to the overall coherence of your report.
  • Arrange in a Logical Order: Organize the sections of your outline in a logical order that flows smoothly from one topic to the next. This will ensure that your nutrition report follows a coherent and well-structured narrative.
  • Use Headings and Subheadings: Use clear and descriptive headings and subheadings to label each section of your outline. This will help you keep track of the content and ensure that each section serves a distinct purpose in your nutrition report.
  • Use Bullets or Numbering: Utilize bullets or numbering to outline the key points and arguments you plan to address in each section of your essay on nutrition. This formatting technique provides visual clarity and makes it easier to refer to specific areas as you work on your nutrition report.

Abstract

It comes after the title page to mirror the value of the report. It hardly exceeds 150 words and conveys the message of the paper.

To ensure clarity and coherence, the abstract should encompass the following elements:

  • Context and Purpose. The abstract introduces the report’s context, focusing on an example nutrition-related issue – the impact of processed foods on health. Clearly state the report’s purpose, whether to inform, persuade, or analyze nutrition-related data.
  • Methods and Approach. Briefly mention the methods employed in the research or data collection process and the approach taken to analyze the information. If applicable, highlight any specific case studies or research methodologies used in the nutrition report.
  • Main Findings. Summarize the most significant findings and discoveries related to nutrition presented in the report. Include key data, statistics, and notable insights contributing to a deeper understanding of the topic.
  • Implications and Conclusions. Discuss the implications of the nutrition report’s findings on the broader subject matter or field of nutrition. If the report proposes solutions or recommendations, mention them briefly in the abstract. Additionally, restate the report’s conclusions to give readers a clear sense of the overall message.
  • Contribution to the Field. Emphasize the novel aspects or contributions of the report to the existing knowledge in the field of nutrition. Specify how the report adds value and expands upon previous research.

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The main purpose of the abstract is to give the reader all the important information about the paper in one-page length. If you’ve done a good job, the reader can briefly and thoroughly retell your paper by only reading your abstract.

Table of contents

The main goal of the report is to inform about the problem or discovery in nutrition. A person reads it to get some useful information quickly. That is why there must be a table of contents that will navigate the reader to the required section. It reminds the one of a textbook or a manual. Nobody will read the whole book or instruction just to find out something. A person will surely scan the table of contents to find out the number of the page whether the required data is.

Introduction part

This part is short (less than 10% of the whole paper). It provides a brief overview of the topic problem and aims at attracting the reader’s attention by facts, statistics, provocative questions, or citations. It usually ends with a thesis statement.

Olive oil is an eco-product that can help to treat cancer, skin problems, and improve digestion and metabolism. Nevertheless, it is fatty and can lead to obesity and other health problems. How to make good use of it?

NOTE! It is better to write the abstract and the introduction after the paper is ready. A student will be able to see the true value of the report and to reflect it in these parts.

Body

There are two types of reports. The first one deals with case studies. The second type just presents the systematized analysis of the information.
The body of the case study might look the following way:

  • Presentation of participants
  • History of the case
  • Results of physical examination
  • Results of testing and experiments
  • Plan of the nutrition
  • The probable outcome of the nutrition scheme
  • Actual results of the case study

If it is an average report of the problem, the body should include sections with subsections. It must be logical. The number of sections will depend on the volume of the report and the information a student wants to present. It might also have the section devoted to the applied research methods, tests, and examinations.

Types of Report in Nutrition

Here are some additional tips to enhance the body of your nutrition report:

  • Include Visuals

Visual aids such as charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams can effectively enhance the presentation of nutrition in your report. These visuals can help illustrate complex data and make it easier for your audience to grasp the key points. Ensure that the visuals are clear, labeled appropriately, and directly related to the information presented in the text.

  • Compare and Contrast Findings

If your report involves the comparison of different nutrition-related factors or interventions, take the opportunity to present a clear and concise comparison of the findings. Use tables or bullet points to highlight the similarities and differences between the studied aspects.

  • Maintain a Neutral Tone

When presenting your findings and analysis, maintain a neutral and objective tone. Avoid any bias or personal opinions that may impact the credibility of your nutrition report. Focus on presenting the facts and allowing the evidence to speak for itself.

Discussion

A student comments on the value of the report and links it to the sources in this part. There can be also a comparison of the author’s viewpoint and other researchers’ ideas concerning the existing problem or case.

Here are some essential tips to enhance the quality and effectiveness of your discussion:

  • Interpretation of Findings. Begin the discussion by providing a clear and concise understanding of your research findings related to nutrition or the study of nutrients. Explain the implications of these findings and how they contribute to the existing knowledge in nutrition. Highlight any unexpected or noteworthy results, and relate them to your research objectives and hypothesis. 
  • Link to Literature. Establish connections between your findings and the literature you gathered during your nutrition research. Identify areas of agreement or disagreement between your work and the existing studies. By linking your report’s results to reputable sources, you reinforce the credibility and reliability of your findings.
  • Maintain Objectivity. Throughout the discussion, maintain an objective and analytical tone. Avoid overstating the significance of your findings or making unfounded claims. Be honest about the limitations of your study and focus on presenting a balanced perspective on nutrition.

Discussion for the Report in Nutrition

Conclusion

This part summarizes the information and restates it giving suggestions for improvement and ideas for further research. It must not give new details because it will create the impression of vagueness and incompleteness. The conclusion must offer the vital importance of nutrition in promoting overall health.

2 liters of water daily helps to stay hydrated but the quality of water must meet the requirements. Low-mineral and purified water results in the insufficiency of calcium, especially in children whose growth is more rapid.

Here are some tips to ensure a strong and impactful conclusion for your nutrition report:

  • Offer Practical Recommendations: Provide actionable suggestions for improvement based on your research findings. These recommendations should be related to nutrition for your studied topic and offer potential solutions or guidelines for better practices. Ensure that your suggestions are realistic and feasible.
  • Propose Areas for Further Research: Highlight the gaps in existing knowledge on nutrition that your report has identified. Suggest possible areas for future nutrition research papers that can build upon your work and contribute to advancing the field.
  • Avoid Clichés and Generic Phrases: Make your conclusion unique and original by avoiding overused phrases or clichés. Instead, strive for clear and concise language that reinforces your report’s critical messages related to nutrition.

Bibliography

Readers will have the opportunity to learn about nutrition from various reputable sources cited in the bibliography. This is ABC enumeration of the used literature. Due to that, a person can avoid accusations in plagiarism. The number of investigated sources reflects the deepness of the research and efforts of the students to create a solid report. Professors often pay attention to this part when evaluating the worth of the report.

Appendix

Sometimes students have videos, audio files, pictures, diagrams, and tables that they cannot present within the paper. Consequently, they can add these materials to the appendix section and enumerate them. Later they can just mention the numbered material using footnotes or brackets.

Other Things to Consider before Handing in a Report in Nutrition

Students write academic papers to receive the highest grades. Some of them need to write a report to get a job. Besides a good analysis of the problem, it is important to regard accuracy and avoid grammar mistakes.

Formatting

Each college has some requirements. In case there are no concrete rules, one should follow general demands that include font 12, type Times New Roman or Arial, double-spacing, and 2.5cm margins from all sides.

Proofreading

It is better never to check the paper when being tired. One should finish the report, have some rest and only then read the paper once again. A person will have a chance to see new mistakes. The best variant is to find an expert or at least an experienced student who has already succeeded in report writing. Create a proofreading checklist that includes common errors in nutrition reports, such as incorrect terminology, citation formatting, or inconsistent referencing. Refer to the checklist during the proofreading process to ensure thoroughness.

Editing

A person should wake up and slowly read the paper with a fresh mind. Experts suggest pretending to be a reader and evaluate the paper. One more option is to ask friends to read it and check if they have understood the message. Reading your nutrition report essay aloud can help you spot awkward sentence structures, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies in your writing. This technique also allows you to assess your ideas’ overall flow and coherence.

Hope that these tips were of help to you. If you are still looking for someone to help with your “write a paper for me” request – don’t hesitate to contact our service.

Summary

Writing a comprehensive report on nutrition requires meticulous planning, in-depth research, and proper organization. By following this step-by-step guide and adhering to high-quality standards in nutrition, you can craft an informative and persuasive report that impresses your audience and earns you the recognition you deserve. Remember to be passionate about your topic, and let your enthusiasm shine through in your writing. Happy reporting on proper nutrition!

About authors
James Snyder A Top-10 writer at CustomWritings.com
James is one of the most prominent authors on our team with more than 7 years of experience. He specializes in writing essays and coursework. James loves to work from home with a cup of hot chocolate and his cat Archibald.
Kate Roth A Top-10 writer at CustomWritings.com
Kate likes to read long stories and write essays. She’s experienced in both academic writing and marketing activities, so she can tell everything about a writer’s job in a few simple words. You can use our website to request the help of our experts anytime.

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