Advanced Math & Science Academy HEALTH CURRICULUM Topic #9. Good Nutrition
DO NOW:
List 5-10 foods (incl. drinks) that you ate in the past 2 days
What important nutrients does each have?
What can you substitute for food with low nutritional value?
How often do you drink soda?
How often do you eat potato chips or french fries?
VOCABULARY
Digestion: breaking down foods into simple compounds that
the body can absorb
Metabolism: using your food to carry out body processes
Nutrients: food ingredients that healthy bodies need
Diet: a pattern of eating
ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Carbohydrates: needed for energy
Fats: needed in small quantities to build certain hormones
and brain chemicals,
to absorb certain vitamins, and as a reserve energy supply
Proteins: needed for growth, tissue repair, and
many other processes
Vitamins: needed to aid metabolism in various ways
and promote healing
Minerals: needed for healthy bones, blood cells, etc.
Fiber: needed for good digestive health and
lower cancer risk
Water: needed to prevent dehydration, especially
during hot weather and exercise
BALANCING YOUR DIET
HEALTHFUL EATING HABITS
Eat a good breakfast!
Choose nutrient-rich snacks
Avoid "junk foods" (with lots of calories and no nutrient value)
Don't eat for emotional reasons
When eating out, choose wisely
Remember that every ethnic tradition has many healthy food choices
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT / DISCUSS WITH PARENTS
Let's make time for a good breakfast every morning!
Let's buy and eat less "junk food".
My body is growing! I need my protein and vegetables!
Less fat and starches, please!
