d health
are explained on a nutrient level. The connection
of nutrients to dietary choices begins. Proteins,
Carbohydrates (aka “carbs”), Fats, Minerals,
Vitamins and Water are defined as the major
nutrient groups.
Focus and Engage
■ This chapter will make the students aware of the
food choices they make.
■ Help the students learn to evaluate foods for
nutritional quality.
■ Encourage the students to understand their
bodies’ needs.
Introduce the Section
a. Encourage the students to be aware of the varied
food choices available to them.
b. Discuss new food options and ideas with the
students.
c. Help the students to realize that nutrition is a
science, not just an opinion or a feeling.
2 Chapter 1 ■ The Food You Eat
1 The Food You Eat
Have you ever wondered how the food you eat fuels your body?
Why some foods make your body feel and perform better than others? Nutrition has the answers. The more you know about nutrition,
the better you will be able to make food choices that will keep you
healthy and strong and keep your body functioning optimally.
Adequate nutrition can help prevent certain diseases, maintain an
optimal body weight, and give you more energy to participate in the
activities you enjoy. There are six essential nutrients in the human
diet. Take a look at what’s on the menu in your school cafeteria
today, and see if you can identify items that contain these nutrients.
In This Chapter,
You Will . . .
■ Understand the science of
nutrition
■ Learn how proteins, carbohydrates, and fats comprise the
foods you eat
■ Learn about the benefits of
vitamins, minerals, and water
■ Discover what calories are and
how they are calculated
■ Learn about food additives
such as flavor enhancers,
preservatives, and coloring
Why YOU Need to Know This
2
Advance PreparationUSDA nutrient database (www.nal.usda.gov)
FDA Web site for label reading (www.cfsan.fda.gov)
Prepare Students will need colored pencils or markers
Paper for graphic organizers
Pop-beads—small costume jewelry or large baby toys that connect
Index cards or small pieces of paper
