Food and Nutrition Topic
Balanced Diet
- Read notes
- Flashcards
- Quiz
- Confident
Study focus - 3 things
- A balanced diet gives the body all needed nutrients in the right amounts
- Balance depends on age, activity level, health, and body needs
- Use variety, moderation, and correct portion sizes
Section 1What balanced means
A balanced diet supplies enough carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and water. The thing to remember is that balance means right amounts, not equal amounts of everything.
Section 2Food groups
Meals should include energy foods, body-building foods, and protective foods. For example, rice and peas with fish, vegetables, and fruit gives a better mix than a plate of fries alone.
Section 3Different people, different needs
A young athlete, an older adult, and a sick person may need different amounts or types of food. Activity level, age, sex, health, and growth all affect food needs. Watch out: exam questions often ask who needs more energy or protein.
Section 4Moderation
Too much sugar, salt, and fat can increase health risks. Water, fruits, vegetables, and high-fibre foods support better health. Here's the trick: improve the whole pattern, not just one meal.
Examples
A lunch has fried chicken, fries, and soda. Suggest one way to make it more balanced.
Add vegetables or fruit, choose water instead of soda, and reduce the fried food portion. This improves vitamins, minerals, fibre, and lowers excess sugar and fat.
A student is training for sports day in Kingston. Why might they need more carbohydrate than usual?
More activity uses more energy. Carbohydrate foods such as yam, rice, or green banana help supply energy for training.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.