Chapter 7 The Foods You Eat
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Your diet affects how you perform in school, in sports, and at social activities.
The food choices you make several times a day are unique and influenced by
many factors. Your personal preferences and habits affect your food choices. Your
ethnic and cultural heritage influences the foods that are eaten in your home. Your
food choices affect your health, fitness, and appearance.
Following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can help you make
healthful food choices and decrease your chances of getting certain diseases.
The foods and beverages you consume each day provide your body with the
nutrients it needs to function. Choose nutrient-dense foods that contain many
nutrients and are low in calories. Avoid nutrient-poor foods that provide large
amounts of calories, but few nutrients.
MyPlate is based on the Dietary Guidelines and can help anyone over
the age of two develop a healthful eating plan. MyPlate includes the five basic
food groups plus oils, which you should use sparingly. Limit other fats and
sweets as well.
Knowing how many calories are in foods can help you manage your weight.
To lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than your body needs. To gain
weight, you need to take in more calories than your body needs.
Physical activity can help you manage your weight. Choose a type
of physical activity you enjoy and will do often. Also, be aware of eating
disorders, which can seriously harm your health. Nutritionists, doctors, or
school nurses can help you plan healthful diet and physical activity programs.
Chapter Summary
Review Key Terms and Main Ideas for Chapter 7 at the
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