Introduction to Nutrition

Nourishment is necessary for the body to function properly. There’s a difference between being well fed and well nourished. For instance…

Eating food that is high in fat and sugar ≠ well nourished
Eating the same thing every day ≠ well nourished as you’re not getting all the nutrients needed.

Six essential nutrient groups:

Carbohydrates- Provide heat and energy and supply fiber for good digestion and elimination
Proteins- Provide heat and energy and help build and repair body tissue
Fats (lipids)- Provide heat and energy and produce fatty acids needed for growth and development
Minerals- Regulate body function and help build and repair body tissue
Vitamins– Regulate body function and help build and repair body tissue
Water- Carries nutrients and wastes to and from body cells and helps regulate body functions

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)-

Basal Metabolism or Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the amount of energy needed to carry out basic body functions like breathing, blood circulation, and cell growth/repair when you are sleeping. To calculate your BMR, click here.

Obesity- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of an adult’s weight in relation to his, her, their height. Not accurate for those with have large muscle mass (i.e. athletes, regardless of age).* To obtain your BMI, click here.

Source- Health Science Technology,2nd edition, Chapters 9:1–9:6