Nutrition Basics
Nutrition is
The study of what you eat and how it affects health
Which two food groups should make up HALF your plate?
Fruits and vegetables
Name the three macronutrients.
Carbohydrates, protein, fat
What should you check FIRST on a food label?
Serving size
Which nutrient is MOST important for bone health?
Calcium
A type of disease develops slowly and is treated, not cured?
Chronic disease?
How many food groups are included in MyPlate?
Five
Which macro is the body’s MAIN fuel for the brain and muscles?
Carbohydrates
What are the 3 most important numbers on a label?
Calories, added sugar, sodium
What mineral helps move oxygen in the blood?
Iron
Name ONE chronic disease linked to poor nutrition.
Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure
Why are some food groups larger than others on MyPlate?
Your body needs more of those foods
What do micronutrients do if they don’t give energy?
Keep body systems working
What is a “sugar trap”?
Food that looks healthy but is high in added sugar
Why is hydration important for performance?
Moves nutrients, regulates temperature, prevents fatigue
Why do chronic diseases develop over time instead of instantly?
Lifestyle habits build up slowly over years
What does “healthy eating over time” mean?
Patterns matter more than one meal
What happens when protein intake is too low?
Slow recovery, weakness, more injuries
Name ONE common sugar trap food or drink.
Smoothies, sports drinks, granola bars, flavored coffee
Complete this statement: “You can’t out-work ______ fuel.”
Bad
A student eats fast food most days but feels “fine” right now.
Explain why nutrition can still increase disease risk even if symptoms aren’t immediate.
Poor nutrition contributes to chronic diseases that develop slowly over time due to repeated lifestyle habits.
A lunch includes pizza, fries, and soda.
Identify TWO MyPlate guidelines this meal does not follow and explain why.
Not half fruits & vegetables; not whole grains; too much unhealthy fat, sugar, and sodium.
An athlete cuts carbs to “eat healthier” and reports fatigue and poor focus.
Which nutrient is missing and why does performance drop?
Carbohydrates — they are the main fuel for the brain and muscles.
Two granola bars look similar. One has less sugar per serving, but a much larger serving size.
Explain why checking serving size first matters.
Because calories, sugar, and sodium depend on serving size — misleading comparisons can occur.
A teen drinks little water but eats well.
Explain how dehydration still hurts focus and performance.
Water moves nutrients, regulates temperature, and prevents fatigue — without it, systems slow down.