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Year 11 - Physical education

A balanced diet

Health and well-being: diet and nutrition

Unit Summary

This unit will examine how much energy is needed to function and the additional requirements of a balanced diet, good hydration and potential tweaks to food consumption to allow for optimal sporting performance and energy balance.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the importance of a balanced diet and how it supports overall health and performance.

Key Notes

  • A balanced diet includes a variety of foods to provide essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
  • No single food item provides all the necessary nutrients, so diversity in food choices is crucial.
  • Calorie requirements are dependent on activity levels and the length and intensity of the activity.
  • Athletes may need to eat more of a specific nutrient to meet their needs., e.g. weightlifters and protein.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • balanced diet: it is defined as eating: the right amount (of calories) for energy expended; according to how much you exercise; different food types to provide suitable nutrients, vitamins and minerals
  • carbohydrate: the body's preferred energy source
  • protein: essential for the growth and repair of muscle tissue
  • energy: the ability to perform activities and sustain effort

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • There are many misconceptions about diet, such as, the need to cut out carbohydrates or fat because they are seen as responsible for weight gain.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

A balanced diet includes a variety of foods to provide essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. No single food item provides all the necessary nutrients, so diversity in food choices is crucial.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'balanced diet'

it is defined as eating: the right amount (of calories) for energy expended; according to how much you exercise; different food types to provide suitable nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: There are many misconceptions about diet, such as, the need to cut out carbohydrates or fat because they are seen as responsible for weight gain. Correction: A balanced diet requires all nutrients because each has its own benefits to the body and health. Cutting any of them out completely will negatively impact overall health and performance in sport and physical activity.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 Physical education guide library.