Nutrition
Joanne, who is a professional nutritionist, came into talk to us about the importance of healthy eating in our life styles. As an athlete herself, she talked about the impact that eating clean can have on our sporting performance. She made us think about the types of food we eat, how much we eat and about aiming for a balanced diet.
A lot of what Joanne talked to us about linked to our Science and Learn to Learn Project - EAT Cramlington. To maintain a healthy lifestyle the body needs a variety of the seven food groups, including Carbohydrates, Protein, Lipids, Vitamins, Minerals, Water and Fibre. |
Carbohydrate is a macronutrient which is a huge source of energy, good examples of this are bread, pasta and potatoes. Humans are able to obtain most of their energy requirement from protein and fats, but a bad intake of carbohydrates over a few days can lead to dehydration, high blood sugars and electrolyte imbalance.
Protein is a macronutrient needed by the human body for growth and maintenance, good examples of this are chicken, tuna and eggs. They are one of the building blocks of body tissue, and can also serve as a fuel source. As a fuel, proteins contain 4 kcal per gram, just like carbohydrates and unlike lipids, which contain 9 kcal per gram. Over time, insufficient protein in your diet leads to a breakdown of your tissue.
Lipids (fats) is a micronutrient needed to make a cell membrane on every cell in your body, good examples of this are chocolate, ice cream and honey. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported in conjunction with fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement. A lack of fats cause loss of energy, feeling tired and being weak.
All vitamins and minerals are needed for a healthy lifestyle but they are micronutrients so they are not needed in large quantities.
Water is essential to keep you hydrated and fit to do activities. A lack of water could lead to drowsiness, headaches and (in some cases) death.
And finally fibre, a diet high in fibre has many health benefits. It can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and some cancers, and can also improve digestive health.
Protein is a macronutrient needed by the human body for growth and maintenance, good examples of this are chicken, tuna and eggs. They are one of the building blocks of body tissue, and can also serve as a fuel source. As a fuel, proteins contain 4 kcal per gram, just like carbohydrates and unlike lipids, which contain 9 kcal per gram. Over time, insufficient protein in your diet leads to a breakdown of your tissue.
Lipids (fats) is a micronutrient needed to make a cell membrane on every cell in your body, good examples of this are chocolate, ice cream and honey. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported in conjunction with fats. Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, an important dietary requirement. A lack of fats cause loss of energy, feeling tired and being weak.
All vitamins and minerals are needed for a healthy lifestyle but they are micronutrients so they are not needed in large quantities.
Water is essential to keep you hydrated and fit to do activities. A lack of water could lead to drowsiness, headaches and (in some cases) death.
And finally fibre, a diet high in fibre has many health benefits. It can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and some cancers, and can also improve digestive health.