Module One: Food and Nutrition Standards

Introduction to Food Choices

• Reasons for Food Choices:
  • Culture and tradition
  • Cost and convenience
  • Religion
  • Emotions
  • Body image
  • Health
  • Taste (most important factor)
• Marketing Influence:
  • Marketing professionals exploit these reasons to influence food choices.
  • Consider how commercials play on emotions, cost, convenience, and health aspirations.

Importance of Understanding Food Choices in Nutrition

• Nutrition is complex; not simply about eating 'good' or 'bad' foods.
• Human reasons for food choices must be considered, especially in contexts like weight loss.

Classes of Nutrients

• Six Categories of Nutrients:
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats
  • Protein
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Water
• Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients:
  • Macronutrients (required in larger amounts):
    • Carbohydrates
    • Fats
    • Proteins
    • Water (does not provide energy)
  • Micronutrients (required in smaller amounts):
    • Vitamins
    • Minerals

Composition of Nutrients

• Elements in Nutrients:
  • Water: Hydrogen and Oxygen
  • Carbohydrates and Lipids: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen
  • Proteins: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen
  • Minerals: Elements in themselves

Significance of Nutrients

• Nutrients make up every cell and function in the body.
• Nutritional intake is crucial for cellular and bodily functions.
• Proper understanding of nutrients is vital for addressing body functions and diseases at the cellular level.
• The saying "you are what you eat" emphasizes the importance of diet in physical composition and health.