Exercise, Nutrition and Wellness Healthy Living Exercise, Nutrition and Wellness

Nutrition Importance of Nutrition Children and adolescents need to eat nutritious foods because their bodies are growing rapidly. Children learn healthy (or unhealthy) eating habits at a very young age. Who influences this behaviour?

A Balanced Diet Creating a balanced diet is essential to obtain all the nutrients required to maintain living function of the body. A balanced diet must include the 4 major components which are: Protein, Vegetables, Carbohydrates and Fat …and Don’t forget WATER!

Water Water is essential to keep healthy. It keeps us hydrated. It helps us to digest food

Fruits and Veggies! A variety of fruits and vegetables give children vitamins and minerals that keep them healthy and help them grow. Fruits and vegetables are “nutrient dense” foods lots of nutrients but few calories. 100% fruit and vegetable juices are good but less nutritious and filling than the foods themselves. They also contain more sugar.

Fruits and Veggies Fruit and vegetables are filled with fiber. How does fiber keep us healthy?

Fats We need some fats in our diet, but not many. Fats give us energy and can be stored in the body to be used when the body needs energy. Good: Nuts, coconut oil, Natural nut butters, Seeds Bad Butter, grease, some cooking oils, saturated fats

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates give us lots of energy that our bodies can easily use. Why do you think athletes often eat lots of carbohydrates? Good = complex Brown rice Whole wheat pasta/ breads Sweet potatoes Veggies Bad = Refined White rice white pasta/ breads

Protein Essential for the body to grow and repair muscle and bones. Chicken, Beef, Fish, nuts, and Eggs are all good sources of protein.

Calcium Dairy products like cheese, milk and yogurt contain lots of calcium. We need calcium to build strong and healthy bones and teeth.