7 COMPONENTS OF A HEALTHY DIET

CARBOHYDATES

• Provides quick energy
• An example in sports:Running. Athletes in training will eat more 'carbs'.
• Nickname: 'carbs'

PROTEIN

• Builds and repairs muscle.
• An example in sports:When training hard and recovering from injury. ‘Power’ athletes such as weight lifters will eat more protein.
• You can get it from meat, fish and beans

FATS

• Provides slow energy
• Eg in sport:Walking and low impact exercise - it produces energy too slowly to be used when working hard.
• You can get it from Oils and dairy products

VITAMINS

• Helps the body work. Helps concentration.
• Eg in sport: Staying calm, making quick decisions.
• Where you can get them from Fresh fruit and vegetables

MINERALS

• Helps release energy from food. Helps decision making
• Eg in sport: When training hard and competing
• Where you can get it: Fruit, vegetables and fish

FIBRE

• Can't be digested. Fills you up and keeps you 'regular'
• Eg in sport:Healthy digestion, (no constipation) helps in sport. Also helps with weight control
• Where can you get it: Fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals.

WATER

• Maintains fluid levels
• Eg in sport:Whenever you sweat. It prevents dehydration
• Where you can get it The tap!