Compare with recommended daily allowances set by FDA. For example, the allowances suggest that average men need around 2,700 calories per day and women need around 2,000 calories per day. Middle school students typically require more.Tha American Heart Association suggests limiting fat intake to less than 30 percent of daily caloric intake; no more than 50-80 grams of total fat and 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. sodium intake should fall between 1,100-3,300 milligrams, or 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 teaspoons a day.Organize the data you collect on a spreadsheet. Then decide what questions you would like to answer. For example, which chain makes the saltiest french fries? How the amount of fat relates to the calories in a burger? How many grams of fat are in each chain's hamburgers? How do condiments affect the burgers' nutritional content? Which burgers give you more nutritional value for your money?