Nutrition and Food!

 Nutrition and Food

Food contains the nutrients we need to live and thrive! Different foods have different nutrients and we need different amounts of each nutrient. This is why it is important to learn about the nutrition in food and what nutrition your body needs. There are five different types of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and Vitamins and minerals. 

Watch this video to learn to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods! 

A healthy diet, or nutritious diet, is one that is balanced, meaning it has food from every food group, and is varied, meaning it has a lot of different types of food. 

Our bodies need: 

Vitamins and Minerals
Carbohydrates 
Proteins
Fats 

Vegetables and fruits have loads of vitamins and minerals. Different fruits and vegetables have different vitamins and minerals, this is why it is important to eat a variety of them. 

Carbohydrates can be found in things like bread, pasta, and rice! It is better to eat whole grains as our source of carbohydrates than processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugary cereals. 

We can get protein in many things. Protein can be found in meat, fish, beans, nuts, dairy products, and vegetables too! Protein is important to build strong muscles, bones, and teeth. Foods that have protein contain the mineral calcium which is important for our bones. 

It is also important to have fats in our diet, but not as much as the previously mentioned things. Fats are stored for when we need extra energy. Some examples of healthy fats are olive oil, eggs, and avocado. 

Eating healthy isn't the only thing we have to do to be healthy! Doing exercise, limiting screen time, sleeping enough, and following hygiene rules are also ways to help us to keep healthy!

Here is a video of exercises you can do at home to stay healthy!

These kids are all exercising to stay healthy, what are they doing? Put your answers below. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Check your answers here! 

1. biking

2. running

3. sit-ups/crunches 

4. lifting weights 

5. jumping rope

6. yoga

It is important to limit your screen time because screens are bad for your posture and eyes. what are three things you could do that are healthy for you, instead of being on a screen? 

1. __________________

2. __________________

3. __________________

Some examples are: read a book, go for a walk, paint a picture, play an instrument, play with an animal, sing a song, talk with your parents, garden! The possibilities are endless. 

Besides being active, limiting screen time, and getting a good amount of sleep, it is also important to maintain good hygiene to be healthy. Good hygiene means: 

1. You should wash your hands often, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom.

2. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, when you wake up and when you go to bed. 

3. You shouldn't eat food when it has expired. 

4. You should wear plastic shoes when you go to the swimming pool. 

5. You should blow your nose with a tissue when it is runny and throw the tissue in the bin afterward. 

6. You should shower and brush your hair. 

Can you think of other ways to stay healthy besides the ones we mentioned here? 

Food intolerances and allergies!

A food intolerance means the digestive system doesn’t work well when you eat products with a specific ingredient. 

Common food intolerances include lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance. People with lactose intolerances should avoid dairy products. People with gluten intolerances should avoid bread. 

A food allergy means that your body reacts badly to certain foods: you can get a rash, an upset stomach, or difficulty breathing. 

Common food allergies include peanuts, soy, dairy, shellfish, and eggs. 

Watch this video on peanut allergies to understand more about allergies!