Healthy Active Living Nutrition

Nutrition Terms Nutrition – the process by which the body takes in and uses food. Why is Nutrition so important? Nutrients in food provide you with substances you need to grow and develop. Nutrients enable you to have energy, feel and look your best, stay mentally alert. 6 out of 10 leading causes of death are linked directly to diet. Good nutrition helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and stroke.

Nutrition Terms Cont’d Nutrients: chemical substances obtained from food that your body needs to function properly Essential Nutrients: nutrients your body cannot make itself or cannot make in sufficient amounts and must therefore be received through the diet. Calories: (kilocalories or kcal) Calories are the units we use to measure the energy in foods and the energy your body burns off. (One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories.)

Nutrition Terms Cont’d Macronutrients: comprise the greatest portion of nutrient intake, they supply energy for work. They are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Micronutrients: includes vitamins and minerals and are called micronutrients because they are needed in small amounts. %DV= % Daily Value : the percentage of your recommended daily intake of a nutrient, contained in a given food portion.

Nutrition Terms Cont’d Carbohydrates: the main energy source for the body, in the form of sugar, starch or fibre. Good Bad Pasta, potatoes, carrots, bread, fruit, muffins, rice cereal Candy, pop, cake, chocolate bars, tea biscuits

Nutrition Terms Cont’d Proteins: A source of energy. Helps build and repair body tissues. Good Bad Eggs, fish, beef, chicken, cheese, tofu Nuts, peanut butter

Nutrition Terms Cont’d Fats: a source of energy, insulator, protects vital organs Good Bad Milk, cheese, olive oil, fish, nuts, veggies, lean meats Chips, butter, bacon, any fried foods Best Fat Worst Fat Omega 3 Unsaturated Fat (Liquid at room temp) Saturated Fat (solid at room temp.) Trans Fat

The Diet Breakdown

Energy provided by Macronutrients Carbs – 4 calories per gram Proteins – 4 calories per gram Fats – 9 calories per gram * So... For every given amount of FAT you eat, you must burn off double the calories (compared to carbs or protein)

Task Complete the weekly food diary sheet with what you have already eaten today. Add to it over the next week and bring it next Monday. Complete the worksheet on nutrition and metabolism