1. How does my body get energy? From nutrients. When nutrients are used, the amount of energy released is measured in units called calories

2. What is a calorie? One calorie is the amount of energy needed to raise the temp. of 1 gram of H2O by 1 degree Celsius. 1 Calorie = 1 kilocalorie or 1,000 calories. You need a certain number of Calories a day to meet your body’s energy needs.

3. What are “Essential” calories? “Essential” calories are the minimum calories needed to meet your body’s needs.

4. What are the best food “buys”? Foods with: No added sugar The least amount of fat, especially solid fat

5. What are carbohydrates? Major source of energy. Simple: sugars that can be easily used (quick burst of energy) Complex: sugar molecules linked together in a chain (even, long- term energy) (starch) or fiber (cannot be broken down.) 45 – 65% should come from these. 1 g of carb = 4 Calories of energy

6. Definition: Added sugars “Added sugars” are sugars and syrups added during: processing preparation http://www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/MyPyramid_education_framework.pdf They do NOT include naturally occurring sugars found in milk and fruits.