Nutrition Basics for Healthy Living
Understanding the fundamentals of healthy eating Year 9 Health Education Building lifelong healthy habits
What is Nutrition?
The science of how food affects our body Nutrients provide energy and help us grow Essential for physical and mental health Influences our mood, energy levels, and performance
The Six Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates - our main energy source Proteins - for growth and repair Fats - for energy storage and vitamin absorption Vitamins - help our body function properly Minerals - build strong bones and teeth Water - essential for all body processes
Macronutrients vs Micronutrients
{"left":"Macronutrients: Needed in large amounts\nProvide energy (calories)\nInclude carbs, proteins, and fats\nMake up the bulk of our diet","right":"Micronutrients: Needed in small amounts\nDon't provide energy directly\nInclude vitamins and minerals\nEssential for body functions"}
Food Diary Challenge
Track everything you eat for one day Note the time and portion size Identify which food group each item belongs to Compare your intake to the Eatwell Guide Discuss findings with a partner
Reading Food Labels
Check the ingredients list first Look for high amounts of sugar, salt, and saturated fat Understand serving sizes Use traffic light system: green (low), amber (medium), red (high) Choose foods with more green and amber ratings
Discussion: Healthy vs Unhealthy Foods
What makes a food 'healthy' or 'unhealthy'? Can you think of foods that might surprise you? How do marketing and packaging influence our choices? What role should treats play in a balanced diet?
Hydration and Water Intake
Our bodies are about 60% water Aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily Water helps transport nutrients Prevents dehydration and improves concentration Choose water over sugary drinks most of the time
Key Takeaway
'Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food' - Hippocrates Small changes in your eating habits today can lead to big improvements in your health tomorrow
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