Understanding Nutrition Chapter 2: Planning a Healthy Diet

Flashcards covering diet-planning principles, USDA Food Patterns, dietary guidelines, MyPlate resources, and Nutrition Facts labeling from Chapter 2.

What does the term 'diet' mean in the context of nutrition?

The foods a person eats.

Name the six diet-planning principles.

Adequacy, Balance, Energy Control, Nutrient Density, Moderation, and Variety.

Define Adequacy in diet planning.

Enough calories (energy) and nutrients to support health.

Define Balance in diet planning.

A combination of foods that provides adequate nutrients and calories; no single food supplies all nutrients.

Define Energy Control in diet planning.

Calories consumed equal basic energy needs plus calories expended in activity; essential for a healthy weight.

Define Nutrient Density in diet planning.

The relationship between nutrients provided and calorie content; nutrient-dense foods supply more nutrients per calorie.

Define Moderation in diet planning.

Most of the time choose nutrient-dense foods; high-calorie, less-nutrient-dense foods are eaten only occasionally.

Define Variety in diet planning.

Selecting foods from each food group and varying choices within groups to ensure a range of nutrients.

What are the five major food groups in the USDA Food Patterns?

Fruits, Grains, Vegetables, Proteins, and Dairy.

What does the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2021-2025 recommend?

A healthy eating pattern includes vegetables from all subgroups, fruits, at least half of grains as whole grains, fat-free/low-fat dairy, a variety of protein foods (including seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds, soy), and oils.

What is a key purpose of the USDA Food Patterns in meal planning?

To provide recommended daily amounts from each group according to calorie level.

What change did the Nutrition Facts Label undergo in 2020?

Vitamin D and potassium were added; serving sizes reflect typical eating habits and can vary; portion sizes differ across products.

What is the recommendation regarding whole grains in the grains group?

At least half of grain foods should be whole grains.

What is the MyPlatePlan and where can you access it?

A planning tool on choosemyplate.gov to tailor daily food patterns (MyPlatePlan).

What is the role of Nutrition Facts labels in making dietary choices?

They help compare foods and select options that are more nutrient-dense and align with health goals.

What is the concept of 'Food is Medicine' in this chapter?

Diet planning can help prevent and control chronic diseases; chronic diseases persist long-term and may not be curable.