(EHD) Eating a Healthy Diet Module Overview

Eating a Healthy Diet Module Overview

Introduction

Healthy Eating ImageWhat did I eat last night for dinner? Do I have homework? Am I forgetting things a lot? If you are not eating a diet high in the all important Omega Fatty Acids your brain may not get what it needs to function properly. As important as the basics of nutrition are to the body, so is the concept of eating a well-balanced, healthy meal. Our bodies use the calories provided by healthy fruits, grains, vegetables, and protein for fuel. Planning meals and cooking with health in mind can help us attain our nutritional goals. Remember, you are what you eat. So, be a carrot, not a doughnut!

Eating a healthy diet that is diverse in all 5 food groups is important. While we need more of the fruits, vegetables, and grains, dairy and meat are still important as they provide us with minerals and protein. Cooking with healthy olive oils and canola oils can cut down on saturated fat. Substituting herbs and seasonings can help boost flavor without adding extra calories and fat. Considering the way you dress your salad and top your sandwich can also affect the waistline. Individuals must also be aware of the amount of sugar consumed. Diabetics must be extra careful. Overall, Americans need to be more mindful of the items they eat and strive everyday to make healthy selections.

 

Essential Questions

  • What are the 3 components of a healthy diet?
  • What are Dietary Guidelines and how do they guide our eating habits?
  • How does the Meal Exchange list work for a diabetic?
  • How can recipes be modified to produce a more healthy result?
  • What type of healthy choices are available for convenience foods?

 

Key Terms

  1. Dietary Guidelines - A set of evidence guidelines to help Americans, age 2 and older, live a healthier lifestyle.
  2. Obese - 20% over ideal body weight.
  3. Nutrient Dense - Measures the ratio of nutrition to calories. Nutrient dense foods are high in vitamins and minerals compared to calories.
  4. Saturated Fat - Unhealthy fat that comes from animals. Related to higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
  5. Cholesterol - Fatty, waxy steroid produced by the liver Used to make hormones.
  6. Fiber - The indigestible part of food that moves waste through the body.
  7. Starch - A type of carbohydrate that is high in glucose.
  8. Diabetes - A group of metabolic diseases ib which a person has high blood sugar. Many tines, a diabetic does it produce enough insulin or the body cannot use it properly.
  9. Insulin - A component of carbohydrates. Vital for human function Usually breaks down in sugar.

 

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