Nutrition Across the Lifespan Module Overview

Introduction

Nutrition Lifespan Image Are you a carrot or a squash? Or are you a turnip or an onion? They say you are what you eat! When you fill your body with healthy and nutritious foods, you will feel, look, and be healthier. The way food smells, is prepared, and looks greatly influences our decisions on what we eat. When we begin our lives as a couple of cells, we are preparing our bodies to process food. Our bodies are designed to adapt to our food needs as we change and grow. Why do we grow teeth? The answer, of course, is that we need them to chew our food, which aids in digestion. This is one example of the changes that our bodies go through to become capable of processing food.

Many factors come into play when assessing one's diet. Dietary needs is the greatest factor and should be guided by a proper caloric assessment. Lifestyle and income can also affect what food we buy. In addition, the needs and demands of our families can play a role in food selection. Many parents will cook more processed foods because that is what their kids will eat - or it is a quick fix for a busy schedule. Choosing the right foods and eating healthfully can greatly reduce an individual's risk for disease and increase basic quality of life. People are living longer than ever with over 40,000 people over the age of 100 years in the year 2011. So, it is important for people to eat well today so they will have a healthier tomorrow.

Essential Questions

How do income, family situation, and lifestyle affect overall nutrition?
Why should one develop a meal plan based on calorie demand?
What food factors affect diet decisions?
What makes food look appealing?
How do dietary needs change as individuals age?

Key Terms

Hunger - a physiological need to eat
Appetite - a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food
Calorie Demand - the amount of energy required (calories) to meet the needs of the metabolism
CDC - Centers For Disease Control
Diet - an individual's normal everyday eating pattern

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