 A calorie is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius.  A calorie can measure:  the amount of energy available in food or  the amount of energy used by the body for activities

NutrientCalories 1 gram carbohydrate4 calories 1 gram protein4 calories 1 gram fat9 calories Calories needed depends on age, weight, gender, and amount of activity.

CategoryCalories Teen males, many active men, and some very active women. 2,800 Older children, teen females, active women, and most men. Women who are pregnant and nursing. 2,200 Younger children, women, and most older adults. 1,600

NutrientTeens Carbohydrates45-65% Proteins10-30% Fats25-30%

1.Aim for balance – choose foods from all food groups. 2.Choose variety – eat many different foods in each group. 3.Eat in moderation – eat reasonable amounts.

Without any instructions from you, your brain is sending and receiving signals so you can think, remember and reason, your lungs are inhaling oxygen and exhaling waste products, cells are being repaired and replaced, and old body cells will die and new ones will be built.

 Foods and the nutrients they contain help your body carry out these processes continuously.  Nutrition is the study of nutrients and how the body uses them.

 You need to choose a variety of foods in the recommended amounts so that your body will have the nutrients it needs for the important work to be done.   Also, the body uses teams of nutrients to complete some processes. For example, to make bone the body needs protein, calcium and vitamin D.  Malnutrition - is a deficiency or severe shortage of a nutrient

 Nutrients are life sustaining chemical compounds of food, released as food breaks down.

 Living cells use nutrients in many chemical reactions that provide energy for vital processes and activities. This process is called metabolism.  Your body uses energy even for automatic processes (breathing, digesting food, etc.).  This amount of energy needed is called basil metabolism.

 Carbohydrates – provide the body’s main source of energy  Fats - provide a concentrated source of stored energy as well as insulation for the body  Proteins - help build, repair and maintain body tissues  Vitamins - help regulate many vital processes  Minerals – help the body work properly  Water – participates in chemical reactions in the body and helps transport materials to and from cells

Phytochemicals –naturally occurring chemicals in plant based foods.  Recently scientists have begun to discover the critical roles phytochemicals are believed to play in maintaining good health and preventing disease.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) is the amount of a nutrient needed by 98% of the people in a given age and gender group.  These guidelines are used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on nutrition labels.