2.  Our diet consists of the food we eat  We get nutrients from the food we eat, these nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals  Therefore nutrition is the term used to describe how we get nutrients from the food we eat. The process by which we get the nutrients is known as digestion.  In this Power Point we will look at macro- molecules; their importance as well as sources.  We will also look at a balanced diet which includes water and fiber

3.  The food we eat contain macro- molecules as well as vitamin, minerals, fiber and water  Macro- molecules are; 1. Carbohydrates 2. Proteins 3. Fats

4.  Carbohydrates are necessary for energy  Carbohydrates are broken down into smaller molecules such as glucose, which the body uses to make energy  Excess carbohydrates are stored in the body  Carbohydrates can be found in most sugary food, therefore if you eat something sweet you know it contains carbohydrates  Not all carbohydrates are sweet, whole grains, rice, bread and pasta contain carbohydrates

6.  Protein are necessary for growth and repair of cells  Proteins are made up of long chains of different amino acids that are broken down in the digestive process  It is these amino acids that the body use  Proteins can be found in milk, meats, soya and most dairy products

8.  Fats are important to keep our body insulated, to keep our cell membranes in tact  Fats are needed in small amounts in the diet as excess unused fat can be stored around our organs and under our skin.  Fats are also a source of energy, however it takes a while to release the energy and is only used when all carbohydrates are exhausted.  Butter, cheese, nuts, avocado, oils are high in fat

10.  Vitamins and minerals are needed in small amounts and are very important for the proper functioning of the body  A diet that lacks certain vitamins and minerals will result in deficiency diseases  For example a lack of iron will result in anemia, lack of calcium will result in weak bones  Vitamins and minerals are found in fruits and vegetables as well as other foods such as milk and grains cereals just to name a few

12.  More than 50% of our body is made up of water  Water is very important as it is the main solvent for substances in our body, it also helps with the movement of particles in the body  6-8 250ml glasses of water a day

13.  Fiber also known as roughage is the undigested parts of food and is moved along the digestive system where it is egested through the anus.  Fiber is important to help the movement of food along the intestine.  Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grain food.

15.  A balanced diet is a diet where we get the required amount of nutrients that the body needs to function properly in the correct quantities  “WE EAT TO LIVE, NOT LIVE TO EAT”  A balanced diet means eating the correct proportion of certain foods

16.  Age – babies, children and adults require different amounts of energy. A child is very active compared to an elderly person and will need more carbohydrates. Babies as well as children will need a lot of protein for growth  Pregnancy- a pregnant woman needs nutrients to nourish her baby  Lifestyle – an athlete will need more energy than a non athlete  Therefore a balanced diet depends on many factors, that’s why dieticians create diet plans for individuals.

17.  The pyramid gives a general idea of the proportion of the different types of food we should eat.  Remember a balanced diet varies on different factors, therefore the pyramid will vary.

20. 1. Give the function of each of the following  Water  Fiber  Carbohydrates  Proteins  Fats 2. What is a balanced diet 3. List three factors which determines a balanced diet

21. Write down what you eat for the day and state whether the following are present;  Macro- nutrients  Fiber  Vitamins and minerals  Water From this determine which of the above is highest and the lowest in your food and whether or not you have a balanced diet, use the food pyramid as a guide