Validity and Feasibility of a Digital Diet Estimation Method for Use with Preschool Children: A Pilot Study

Abstract Objective The goal of the study was to assess the validity and feasibility of a digital diet estimation method for use with preschool children in Head Start. Methods Preschool children and their caregivers participated in validation (n = 22) and feasibility (n = 24) pilot studies. Validity was determined in the metabolic research unit using actual gram weight measurements as the reference method. Feasibility of using the digital diet estimation method was determined in Head Start and in the home by assessing 3 separate lunch and dinner meals. Results The average correlation between estimated weights and actual weights was 0.96 ( P < .001), and the average mean difference was 10.6 g. The digital diet estimates were 5% lower than the actual weights. Conclusions and Implications The digital diet estimation method may be a valid and feasible method for assessing food intake of preschool children.