Calories 101
A calorie is a unit of ___?
Energy
What does “Calories In” mean?
Calories from food and drinks
Which nutrient helps build muscles and provides energy?
Protein
Where does digestion begin?
Mouth
Calories are bad for you.
False, they are fuel for life
Name 3 activities your body uses calories for besides exercise.
Thinking, growing, healing, breathing, sleeping, etc.
What does “Calories Out” mean?
Calories burned through body functions & activity
Which nutrient is the body’s main source of energy?
Carbohydrates
Which organ churns food into liquid and breaks down proteins and fats?
Stomach
The body only burns calories during exercise.
False – even breathing & sleeping burn calories
Which group generally needs more calories: boys or girls?
Boys, especially if active
What happens if Calories In > Calories Out?
Extra energy is stored as fat
Do water, vitamins, and minerals provide calories/energy? Explain.
No — but they help your body use energy from food
Where are most nutrients absorbed into the blood?
Small Intestine
Digestion only happens in the stomach.
False, it happens throughout the ... Mouth → Esophagus → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine
Why do sedentary kids need fewer calories than active ones?
They burn less energy/calories, so they don’t need as much fuel
What happens if Calories In < Calories Out?
Low energy, slowed growth, possible weight loss
Out of the 6 essential nutrients, name the 3 that give energy (calories).
Carbs, proteins, fats
What is the main job of the large intestine?
Absorb water & form solid waste
Nutrients are absorbed mainly in the small intestine.
True
How many calories do most middle schoolers (ages 9–13) burn daily?
~1,400–2,200 depending on age, gender, activity
Why is balance important for middle schoolers?
They need enough energy to grow, think, and stay active without storing too much as fat
Which nutrient provides the most calories per gram?
Fat
Put these in order: Esophagus, Mouth, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine.
Mouth → Esophagus → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine
The large intestine’s main job is nutrient absorption.
False – it absorbs water, not nutrients