Nutrition Introduction
Nutrition plays an integral role in our daily life. Nutrition can be defined as the science of food and how the body uses it in health and disease. It is important to understand the basic nutritional needs of an individual on a daily basis, in terms of nutrients, food groups, and caloric intake, to fuel the body. Additionally, knowing what to eat and when before, during, or after exercise is essential to maximize benefits and reduce the risk of injury. Finally, as students, it can be a challenge to eat healthy on a tight budget, as well as time constraints. However, it is important to know there are strategies out there to eat healthy on a budget and consume all the nutrients you need.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Identify the six essential nutrients needed to fuel the body.
2. Describe and apply the Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate recommendations into your daily life.
3. Calculate your daily caloric intake when participating in physical activity.
4. Create and prepare a plan to eat on a healthy budget.