Nutrition Pamphlet
This unit focused on providing nutrients to your body, which allows you to perform at your highest abilities. During this unit, you studied the six basic nutrients vour body needs to survive, as well as different food choices that could negatively affect your health
Today, you will develop a pamphlet outlining nutrition choices. Your pamphlet will include information on the six basic nutrients and one of the following topics of your choosing:
•anorexia and bulimia
• dehvdration and diuretics
• fad diets
After selecting your topic, develop a pamphlet that provides information to a middle school student about the benefits of proper nutrition and the dangers of your selected topic. Your pamphlet should include the following information:
1. Identify the six basic nutrients and provide examples of each.
2. Explain how each nutrient helps support your body.
3. Choose one of the following topics and answer the following questions:
a. anorexia and bulimia
1. Describe anorexia and bulimia, and explain the symptoms and treatment options. Give advice to others struggling with eating disorders.
b. dehvdration and diuretics
i. Describe dehydration and diuretics, and explain the symptoms, how to assist someone experiencing these issues, and suggestions to avoid dehydration and diuretics.
c. fad diets
1. Describe a diet and a fad diet, and identify and explain two popular diets. Explain whether each diet is a fad diet and provide evidence. Recommend if individuals looking for a diet should follow each diet. Provide explanations supporting your recommendation.
Your pamphlet should be neat, creative, and organized. Remember that you are providing this information for a middle school class; you want to draw your audience in with a hook and keep their attention.
As you conduct your research, it will be important that you use credible sites. A site is credible if it is reliable, accurate, and trustworthy. Use the Website Evaluation Checklist to evaluate all sites prior to using their information.
Include a list of each reference or website you used to conduct your research.
**Nutrition Choices: Fueling Your Body for Success**
Welcome to our nutrition pamphlet! By making smart choices about what we eat, we can fuel our bodies for success and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In this pamphlet, we will explore the six basic nutrients, their benefits, and the dangers of fad diets.
**The Six Basic Nutrients:**
1. Carbohydrates: Examples include bread, rice, and pasta. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are our main source of fuel.
2. Proteins: Examples include meat, fish, and beans. Proteins help build and repair tissues and are essential for growth and development.
3. Fats: Examples include avocado, nuts, and olive oil. Fats provide energy, support cell growth, and help our bodies absorb vitamins.
4. Vitamins: Found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, vitamins are necessary for various bodily functions and help maintain overall health.
5. Minerals: Examples include calcium, iron, and potassium. Minerals assist in muscle function, bone health, and regulate bodily processes.
6. Water: It is vital to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Water transports nutrients, flushes out toxins, and regulates body temperature.
**Anorexia and Bulimia: Understanding Eating Disorders**
Anorexia and bulimia are serious eating disorders that can be harmful to both physical and mental health.
**Anorexia:** It is a condition where individuals have an extreme fear of gaining weight, leading to severe calorie restriction and an obsession with weight loss. Symptoms include extreme weight loss, restriction of food intake, distorted body image, and fear of gaining weight. Treatments may include therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is essential to seek professional help promptly. Remember, you are beautiful just the way you are.
**Bulimia:** Bulimia involves periods of binge eating, followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise. Symptoms include recurring episodes of overeating, lack of control, secrecy around eating, tooth decay, and swollen salivary glands. Treatment options include therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication. It's crucial to remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and you deserve to have a healthy relationship with food and your body.
**Dehydration and Diuretics: Staying Hydrated**
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance in the body's electrolytes. Diuretics are substances that can increase urine production, causing fluid loss and potentially leading to dehydration.
**Symptoms of Dehydration**: Thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and dark-colored urine. If you suspect someone is dehydrated, encourage them to rest and drink fluids such as water or sports drinks. Seeking medical help may be necessary for severe cases.
**Avoiding Dehydration**: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during physical activity or hot weather. Consume hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables, and limit the intake of diuretic substances such as caffeine and alcohol.
**Fad Diets: Fact or Fiction?**
Fad diets promise quick weight loss and often gain popularity but can be unhealthy and unsustainable in the long run. Let's explore two popular diets:
**The Keto Diet**: This diet restricts carbohydrates, forcing the body to burn fat for fuel. While it may result in initial weight loss, it can be challenging to maintain and can lead to nutrient deficiencies. It is not recommended for long-term use.
**The Mediterranean Diet**: This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It is associated with several health benefits, including heart health and weight management. The Mediterranean diet is a balanced approach, making it a sustainable choice.
Remember, not all diets are created equal. Instead of following a fad diet, focus on making long-term lifestyle changes that promote overall health and well-being.
**References:**
- Harvard School of Public Health: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/
- National Eating Disorders Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
Remember, your health is your most valuable asset. Choose wisely, fuel your body right, and live a vibrant life!