1. NUTRITION : W HAT ARE THE IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS TO HAVE IN A BALANCED DIET ?

2. VOCABULARY Calorie Carbohydrate Fats Fiber Minerals Proteins Vitamins Water

3. Y OU ARE WHAT YOU EAT ? What is a “diet”? Diet is simply the foods and drinks that we choose to regularly consume. Diet, however, is often referred to as a way to restrict food choices in order to lose weight. An ideal diet contains foods HIGH in nutrients, and LOW in calories.

4. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE DIET There are several factors that influence the food choices you make. They include: Geography Culture Convenience Cost Friends Personal Taste Budget

5. CALORIES Why do we need calories? Calories are units of energy. Most foods have calories. We eat food so that we can have the energy to perform daily activities as well as exercise and sports. SO, DO YOU NEED CALORIES? ARE CALORIES BAD?

6. W HAT ARE THE 6 ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOUND IN FOOD ? There are six essential nutrients found in food. They are: CARBOHYDRATES PROTEINS FATS VITAMINS MINERALS WATER

7. CARBOHYDRATES (CARBS) Carbohydrates are simple or complex sugars that are found in food. Carbohydrates are found in starches (potatoes), sugars (honey, table sugar), grains (breads, pastas), and fruits. Carbohydrates are used primarily for energy (fuel); there are 4 calories in one gram of carb.

8. FATS Fats are also used as fuel for the body. If they are not used, they are stored by the body for future use. Fats are found in oils, dairy products such as butter and yogurt, nuts, and meats. There are 9 calories in one gram of fat.

9. PROTEINS Proteins are the building blocks for your body. Proteins are found in meats, eggs, milk, fish, nuts, and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils). Proteins are used to rebuild and repair the body; they are also used for energy. there are 4 calories in one gram of protein.

10. VITAMINS Vitamins cannot be produced by the body, therefore, need to be consumed in foods. Vitamins are used to regulate body chemistry and function; examples include: vision, growth, immune system, nerves, hair and skin. Vitamins are found in most foods but especially fruits, veggies, milk, and grains.

11. MINERALS Minerals cannot be produced by the body, therefore, need to be consumed in foods. Minerals are used to regulate body chemistry and functions; examples include: growth, muscles, healthy bones, healing, regulating hormones. Minerals are found in most foods but more frequently in fruits and veggies, meats, and grains.

12. WATER The most essential of all nutrients. Water is used to move nutrients and waste; maintains body temperature; creates a coating for joints of the body. Water is found to some extent in every food. The best sources of water are liquids, fruits, and veggies. Water is the best drink possible to prevent dehydration. A condition in which the body does not have the proper fluids in order support body function.

13. NON-NUTRIENT BUT STILL IMPORTANT!!! FIBER: a non-nutrient substance found in plant food. Fiber is not digested. Fiber is necessary for digestion and good bodily functions. It also helps prevent diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. Fiber is found in fruits, veggies, and grains.