Introduction to Nutrition

Learning Intentions

By the end of this topic, you will be able to:

Give a definition of nutrition, serving size and diet.

Understand what are nutrients and what they do for
the body.
Plan a nutritious meal.
 What is Nutrition?
Nutrition:

 The parts that make up

different foods that are
necessary to support life
and growth

 Examples: vitamins and

minerals found in fruit.
 Carbohydrates found in
bread.
 Nutrition & Nutrients

As your body grows, it is important to take care of it

by eating nutritious food.
Classes of Nutrients:
 Carbohydrates
 Protein
 Fats
 Minerals
 Vitamins
 Water
 Proteins

Proteins
* Used for replacement and repair of body cells and
for growth
• Found in eggs, milk, cheese, and meat
• Made up of amino acids and….
* Essential amino acids must be supplied by food.
 Carbohydrates

* The main source of energy for your body

* Sugars are simple carbohydrates; starch and fiber are
complex carbohydrates.
* Sugars are found in fruits, honey, and milk.
* Starches are found in potatoes and pasta.
* Found in whole-grain breads, beans, and peas.
 FATS (Also called lipids)

* Provide energy and help your body absorb

vitamins
* Because fat is a good storage unit for energy, any
excess energy is converted to fat.
* Classified as unsaturated or saturated based on
their chemical structure
* Saturated fats are associated with high
cholesterol.
 Vitamins

* Needed for growth, regulating body functions, and

preventing disease
* A well-balanced diet usually gives your body all the
vitamins it needs.
* Two groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble
 Minerals

a. Are inorganic nutrients

b. Regulate many chemical reactions in your
body
c. Calcium and phosphorous are used most by
the body.
 Water

a. Required for survival.

b. Cells need water to carry out their work.
c. Most nutrients your body needs must be
dissolved in water.
d. The human body is about 60 percent water.
e. You lose water each day when you perspire,
exhale, and get rid of wastes.
 Definition of Diet
Diet:

 Sum of food consumed by

an organism or group

 What you eat everyday!

 Why is it important to eat healthy?

Best way to live a healthy life is to eat a balanced diet

To provide nutrients that your body needs to
function
To give you more energy and alertness throughout
the day
To prevents future disease and sickness
 Diabetes, obesity and cancer
 Basic Nutrition
Food pyramid
 Recommendation of what
to eat based on dietary
guidelines
Food pyramid
breakdown
 Fats
 Dairy
 Meat
 Fruits & Vegetables
 Grains
 Grain Group
Cereals, breads, crackers
and rice
Supplies energy through
carbohydrates
6-11 servings daily

How can you get the

right amount of grains?
 Bread in sandwiches
 Cereal and oatmeal during
breakfast
 Rice with dinner
 Fruit and Vegetable Group
Fruits & Vegetables
 Packed with vitamins
 Low in energy
 Great source of minerals
 Common fruit: apples,
peaches, bananas
 Common vegetables:
broccoli, carrots and corn
 3-5 Servings per day
 Eat as a snack!
 Dairy Group
Important sources of
proteins, vitamins and
minerals
Rich in calcium
 Important for teeth and
bones
Milk, yogurt, cheese
High in Fat
Good sources if vitamins
A and D
 Why do you need calcium?

Essential nutrient for children to help grow strong

bones
Reduces the risk of bone disease when older
Increase amount of calcium by drinking milk!
 Meat
Primary source of
protein in the diet
 Protein provides body
with dietary energy
needed for growth and
repair
Meat, poultry (chicken),
fish, eggs and nuts
2-3 servings per day
 Good Protein

Eating foods with little fat and high protein can help
with the following:
 Healthy heart
 Keeping a low cholesterol level
 Reduce risk of heart disease when you are older
 Soft Drink vs. Juice
 Soft drink contains high
levels of caffeine and sugar
 Caffeine is a stimulant
 Increases blood pressure

 Juices
 Contain nutrients and
vitamins
 Need to drink in moderation
 Too much juice can have
negative effect because of
high sugar content
 Water
Vital component of our
diets
Makes up 50-70 percent
of our body
Need it for growth and
body maintenance
 How you can eat healthier

Eat regular meals

 Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
 Keeps body filled with fuel to get through the day
Eat a variety of foods
 Fruits and vegetables
 Try to eat more apples and grapes and less cookies and chips
Cut down on high fat and sugar
 Drink water or juice instead of soda
 Vegetables

Today you are to:

 investigate what vegetables can be planted at this time of year.

 Choose 1 of these vegetables and investigate the nutrients that are in

this vegetable.
 How long does it take for it to grow??

 Make a poster about this vegetable that tells us about how it is good
for our bodies and when it is good to plant this vegetable.

 Place an order for some seeds to plant with Mr.Ellis