Nutrition Basic
What is the difference between food and nutrition?
Food is what we eat, while nutrition is how the body uses nutrients from food.
Which macronutrient is the body’s main source of energy?
Carbohydrates.
What are micronutrients?
Nutrients required in small amounts for body functions.
What information is usually shown on a food label?
Nutritional values such as energy, fat, sugar, protein and serving size.
What are dietary guidelines?
Recommendations that help people make healthy food choices.
What is a vegetarian diet?
A diet that does not include meat.
What does the term “balanced diet” mean?
Eating a variety of foods that provide the body with all required nutrients.
Name the three macronutrients.
Carbohydrates, protein and fats.
Name the two types of micronutrients.
Vitamins and minerals.
What does “serving size” mean on a food label?
The recommended portion amount used for the nutrition information.
What does “variety” mean in a healthy diet?
Eating many different foods from different food groups.
What is a vegan diet?
A diet that excludes all animal products.
Name the two main categories of nutrients.
Macronutrients and micronutrients.
Explain the main function of protein in the body.
Building and repairing muscles and tissues.
Which mineral helps transport oxygen in the blood?
Iron.
Why is it important to check serving size when reading food labels?
Because eating multiple servings increases the amount of nutrients consumed.
What does “moderation” mean when following dietary guidelines?
Not consuming too much of certain foods.
Why do people with coeliac disease follow a gluten-free diet?
Gluten damages their small intestine.
Explain why the body requires nutrients to function properly.
Nutrients provide energy, support growth, repair tissues and regulate body processes.
Describe one important role fats play in the body.
Storing energy, protecting organs and helping absorb vitamins.
Which nutrient is important for strong bones and teeth?
Calcium.
Why might two similar foods have very different nutrition labels?
They may contain different ingredients or processing methods.
Give one example of a balanced meal.
Chicken, rice and vegetables.
Name one safe food handling practice.
Washing hands before preparing food.
Give two factors other than diet that can influence a person’s health.
Physical activity, sleep, environment, lifestyle or genetics.
Why might athletes need higher amounts of carbohydrates in their diet?
Carbohydrates provide the energy needed for physical activity.
Explain what could happen if someone has a vitamin deficiency.
They may develop illness, poor body function or disease.
How can reading food labels help someone make healthier choices?
They allow comparison of nutrients such as sugar, fat and sodium.
Why is meal planning helpful for maintaining a healthy diet?
It helps ensure balanced nutrients and prevents unhealthy food choices.
Why should raw meat be stored separately from other foods?
To prevent bacteria spreading and contaminating other foods.
Explain how poor nutrition could affect both short-term and long-term health.
Short term – fatigue and poor concentration. Long term – diseases such as obesity or heart disease.
Explain why removing all fats from a diet would be unhealthy.
Some fats are essential for body functions and vitamin absorption.
Why are micronutrients still important even though the body only needs small amounts?
They regulate body processes and support overall health.
Explain why someone trying to reduce sugar intake should regularly read food labels.
Labels show the amount of sugar in each serving, helping people limit consumption.
Explain why eating foods from different food groups is important.
Different foods provide different nutrients the body needs.
Why is food safety important?
To prevent foodborne illness and food poisoning.