Nutrition

Rationale  It is important to have a solid understanding of nutrition as a healthcare worker because while many people are aware that there is a relationship between food and good health, they do not know how to select proper foods for their diets to promote optimum health  With this understanding of nutrition, a healthcare worker can practice and promote good health

Fundamentals of Nutrition  Nutrition: includes all body processes relating to food  Digestion, absorption, metabolism, circulation, and elimination  These allow for the body to use food for energy, maintenance of health, and growth  Nutritional Status: the state or condition of one’s nutrition  Goal is to be in a state of good nutrition and to maintain wellness  Wellness: a state of good health with optimal body function  One must choose foods needed by the body, not just ones that taste good

Maintenance of Good Nutrition  Make smart choices from every food group  Eat a variety of foods and use portion sizes accommodated to your nutritional needs  Find your balance between food and physical activity  At least 30 minutes/day  Limit fats  Choose a diet low in fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol  Get the most nutrition out of your calories  Determine the number of calories you should eat  Don’t sugarcoat it  Eat sugars in moderation and brush teeth after  Reduce sodium and increase potassium  Use spices and herbs instead of salt  Eat foods high in potassium to counteract the effect sodium had on blood pressure  Encourage peers to eat health too!