What are Energy Nutrients? How to keep your body healthy

Energy Nutrients are substances in food that you need for growth, energy, and good health. Carbohydrates Fats Proteins Vitamins Minerals Water

Carbohydrates – the body’s main source of energy You need large amounts of “carbs” each day since your body uses them quickly. You can find this nutrient in : Breads, potatoes, cereals, beans, fruits, and desserts. Vegetables such as carrots and peas and grains such as rice and pasta are good choices!

Fats – gives your body more energy than any other nutrient Fats – gives your body more energy than any other nutrient. It can also help protect the inside of your body. Your body stores extra fat when you don’t use all the energy you take in. You can find this nutrient in : Oils, margarine, butter, meat, cheese, whole milk, and nuts Cakes, pastries, and fast foods are high in fat. It’s easy to eat too much fat, so choose carefully!

Proteins – give you energy and help build and repair your cells Without this nutrient, you will not grow! It also helps you get better when you’re ill. You can find this nutrient in : eggs, meat, poultry, fish, oatmeal, and peanut butter Some vegetables, seeds, and beans have protein too!

Vitamins – help your body perform special functions, but do not give energy Vitamin A – keeps skin and eyes healthy - carrots, eggs, fish Vitamin D – keeps bones and teeth strong - milk Vitamin C – helps keep gums and teeth healthy - fruits and vegetables Vitamin B1 and B2 – helps you use energy in carbohydrates – eggs, nuts, cheese, grains Vitamin B12 – helps keep your blood and nerves healthy – shellfish and liver

Minerals - help your body grow and work Minerals - help your body grow and work. They also help build body parts such as bones and blood cells. These nutrients do not give your body energy and are only needed in small amounts. They help keep the water inside and outside your cells in balance and make chemical reactions occur. Some foods that contain minerals are: fruits, vegetables, milk, meats, poultry, and fish

Water - necessary for life Water - necessary for life! It helps break down foods and carries nutrients to your cells. Water also helps to carry away wastes. You should try to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Some foods that contain water are: lettuce, melons, raw carrots, celery, and apples.

Show what you have learned! Now that you have collected information about the six main nutrients in food, think about how can you revise your “My Plate” to make it healthy and balanced. Update your plate to include healthy choices from all six nutrients in today’s lesson. Show what you have learned!