Unit 2 -Applying the Principles of Nutrition to a Physical Activity Programme Flashcards
What does a balanced diet require?
Water intake, alongside food chosen in varying amounts from five nutrient groups. These groups are in turn are divided into macronutrients and micronutrients.
What are the basic functions of the macronutrients carbohydrate, protein and fat?
Collectively needed in greater amounts.
Used within the body for structure, function and fuel.
What are the basic functions of the macronutrients vitamins and minerals?
Needed in smaller amounts.
Also used for structure and function and are necessary to “unlock” the energy contained in the macronutrients.
Why does the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ have much truth in it?
Because the food that we eat will become part of the body, as it is used to rebuild or repair vital structures on an ongoing basis. However, we do not digest everything that we eat as some components of our food will be excreted.
What happens to food, which is not used for this building up of structural parts of the body?
It will either contribute to the body’s normal chemical functions or be utilised as fuel to sustain life and activity levels.
A continual excess of energy consumed will be stored, mostly in the form of body fat, and will, therefore, also contribute to eventual body mass
Also in nutrition, there exists a relationship between both structure and function. What does this mean?
The quality of food within the diet and the specific chemical composition of that food, have a profound effect upon the structure and function of the human body at its most fundamental level.
The same basic organisation of structure and function applies to what other systems?
- skeletal system
- muscular system
- nervous system
- digestive system
- respiratory system
- circulatory system
- lymphatic system
- endocrine system
- reproductive system
When was the first US national food guide pyramid introduced and to what purpose?
- In 1992
- in an attempt to provide information to the public, in order to promote a healthy diet.
- It serves as a visual guide to ease the confusion that often arises when trying to plan a menu.
Who originally devised the US national food guide pyramid?
Originally devised in a joint venture by the Department for Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), this basic model and the guidelines it represents has been adopted by many government agencies throughout the developed world.
Why was the food guide pyramid of 1992 later revised?
Due to continuing criticism that it did not provide appropriate advice for certain nutrient groups for all sub-groups of the population.
When was the 1992 US national food guide pyramid updated?
In 2004, after much debate and deliberation, the Department for Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture released an updated version which was accepted as national policy in 2005.
This has since formed the backbone of all food and nutrition policy throughout the United States
What are the main changes in the food guide pyramid, comparing the 1992 version with the 2004 version?
- some fats should be taken in larger amounts as a necessary part of a ‘healthy balanced diet.’
- Certain plant oils, such as olive, soy, sunflower and peanut oil are now set at the base of the pyramid and are advised as an important part of almost every meal.
- The advice on carbohydrates has changed, recognising that refined carbohydrate products such as white bread, white rice and white pasta should be minimised.
- The emphasis is now on wholegrain carbohydrate-rich products which form a large part of the base of the pyramid.
What are the advantages and limitations of the food guide pyramid?
Advantages:
- aims to encourage people to think about their diet
- leads to a reduction in pre-made processed food
- encourages the consumption of fruit and vegetables
- encourages portion control
- aims to encourage a wholefood diet
- encourages a moderate alcohol intake
Limitations:
- aimed at populations, not individuals
- assumes a ‘one size fits all’ approach
- criticised for being shaped by food agencies and politics
- insufficient guidance on portion control
What is ‘The Eatwell Plate’?
An adaptation of the food guide pyramid in the UK, introduced in 2007, providing an alternative illustration of the similar basic guidelines around food and nutrition found within the US pyramid.
‘The Eatwell Plate’ is also supported by 8 specific healthy eating tips as stated by the Foods Standards Agency:
- Base your meals on starchy foods
- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables (5 portions per day)
- Eat more fish ( 2 portions a week, 1 oily)
- Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
- Try to eat less salt, no more than 6g a day
- Get active and try to be a healthy weight
- Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses per day)
- Don’t skip breakfast
The specifics of the national food model provide what caloric targets?
Adult males: 2550 calories per day
Adult females: 1950 calories per day
How should the total amount of calories be divided across each of the macronutrients?
- minimum of 50% calories from carbohydrates
- maximum of 35% calories from fats
- minimum of 55g of protein per day (9-12% calories)
What are the approximate calories per gram for each macronutrient?
- carbohydrates 4 calories per gram
- proteins 4 calories per gram
- fats 9 calories per gram
- alcohol (not a nutrient) 7 calories per gram
Some may prefer counting portions than calories. What would be 1 portion of small fruits?
Small fruit – 2 satsumas, 2 plums, 2 kiwi, 7 strawberries, 14 cherries
What would be 1 portion of a medium fruit?
1 apple, 1 banana, 1 pear, 1 orange
What would be considered a large fruit?
half grapefruit, one 5cm slice of melon, 1 large slice of pineapple
What would be a portion of green veg?
2 broccoli spears, 4 heaped table spoons of kale, spinach, or green beans
What would be one portion of salad veg?
3 sticks of celery, 5cm piece of cucumber, 1 medium tomato, 7 cherry tomatoes
What would be one portion of cereals?
Handful of breakfast cereal
