Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CONTENT
2.1 Balanced Diet and Nutrition: Macro a Micro Nutrients
2.2 Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Components of Diet
2.3 Eating For Weight Control - A Healthy Weight, The Pitfalls Of Dieting, Food
Intolerance and Food Myths
INTRODUCTION
Food is the basic requirement of every individual. It fulfills the energy needs and to meet
the development of the body. The food, which we eat, is known as ‘Diet’. The energetic
food in our diet consists of various types of essential chemicals for our body termed
as ‘Nutrients’ Thus, the science, which deals with nutritious diet and its importance
for individual, is known as ‘Nutrition.’ The nutritious diet directly affects the health of
individual. Nutritious diet is known as ‘Balanced Diet; it provides sufficient energy for
workout and helps in the growth and development of individual.
transports glucose to cell and in this way balances blood sugar level.
broceoli, barley, green beans, tomato, etc. are the sources of chromium.
(xiii) Chloride : Chloride works with sodium to balance fluids. It helps in
maintenance of pH value of the body. It plays an active role in production
of digestive juices. Sodium chloride (salt) is the good source of chloride.
(xiv) Sodium : Sodium helps in the contraction of our muscles and in the
conduction of nerve impulses, maintains correct balance of fluid in the
cells and supports the absorption of other nutrients include chloride,
amino acid and glucose.
(xv) Zinc : It is helpful in eliminating infections and strengthening immunity
power. Chicken, beans, beafs and nuts can be the good sources of zinc.
(xvi) Manganese : It help in cyzymatic reactions, tissue development and
reproduction in humans, tea, whole grains and beans are the good sources
of mangnese.
(B) NON-NUTRITIVE COMPONENTS OF DIET
Non-nutritive are those components of food,
which do not give energy or calories. They do
not have nutritional value and are added to food
and beverage products. They are designed to
make the food smell better, taste better, last long
and look better. Following are the non-nutritive
components of diet :
1. Fibre or Roughage : Fibre or roughage
has no nutrient value. Hence, is included
in non- nutritive components of diet. It
is undigested part of food. It consists of
water and improves intestinal function
by adding bulk to food. They help
maintain overall health of the body.
Roughage or fibre is of two types :
(a) Soluble Fibre Fig. : Quantity of water in various
foodstuffs
(b) Insoluble Fibre
Soluble fibre can dissolve in water, whereas insoluble fibre cannot. The soluble
fibre reduces blood sugar fluctuation and lowers cholesterol. Insoluble fibre is a
good stool softener. Usually 30 grams of fibre is recommended for adult per day.
Both types of roughage or fibre are equally significant for human beings. Fibre
is helpful in decreasing the risk of heart disease and preventing certain types of
cancer.
Sources : Fresh fruits, vegetables, wheat, oats, root, connective tissues of meat
and fish are very good sources of roughage.
Sports & Nutrition 43
2. Water : Water is also an essential component of diet. With the help of water the
nutrients are carried through blood to the various cells of body. Human body has
70% of water. It maintains the health and integrity of every cell in our body. It
maintains the body temperature through sweating. It helps in digestion of food
and prevents constipation. The deficiency of water in body causes dehydration.
Most foods contain water. Generally 50% of water intake comes from food and
remaining intake comes from drinking water. We should drink 12-15 glasses of
water. Requirements of water may be fulfilled with other fluids like juice, coffee,
tea, milk and soups, etc.
3. Flavour Compounds : The flavours are derived from both nutritive and non-
nutritive components of food. Sometimes it becomes very difficult to know the
source of a specific flavour. An acidic food provides sour taste while alkaline one
provides a bitter taste.
4. Colour Compounds : The food or diet is prepared more appetizing and attractive
to see by the wide reflection of colours made possible through pigments. Natural
pigments are found in fruits and vegetables. The colours from animal products
and grains are less bright. There are various colours of fruits and vegetables such
as red, orange, yellow, blue, green and cream.
5. Preservatives : The components which have the ability to stop the microbial
growth are added to food and beverages. They are considered addictives. They
are often regulated. Their identification and concentration must be determined
before adding to the food.
6. Plant Compounds : There are some other plant compounds which contain other
nutritive substances. When these substances ingested they may have beneficial
or harmful effects. Many compounds that inhibit cancer. There are a number of
harmful substances in plants which have harmful effects if ingested in excess.
Caffeine is such an example if it is taken in excess quantity it may increase heart
rate, secretion of stomach and urination.
In simple words, it can also be said that a healthy weight is that weight which lowers
the risk for various healthy problems such as heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure
and diabetes, etc. The following steps can help in controlling weight and consistent
weight loss :
1. It reduces the calorie content of diet.
2. It reduces the intake of fat and cholestrol enhancing foods.
3. It stays away from fried foods.
4. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables whole grains and fat free and or low-fat milk and
milk products.
5. Fruits are excellent source of energy and nutrition. They improve blood
circulation, improve immune system and manage the weight.
6. It avoids taking foods containing too much sugar, specially refined sugar.
7. It develops the habit of taking a glass of water before meals.
8. Calcium in any form is food for body and helps maintain a good body weight.
Top calcium rich foods are cheese, milk, yogurt, sardines, spinach, turnip and
collard greens, etc.
9. Green tea is a great health booster which helps maintain a good body weight.
10. Avoid snacks including chololates and nuts.
11. Change your mental attitude towards food. Be determined not to overeat even
if the food is delicious. The ideal height and body weight chart is given in the
charts given.
IDEAL HEIGHT/WEIGHT CHART
Healthy weight : A healthy weight is one that is right for your body type and is based on
your body mass index (BMI) and the size of your waist.
Method to calculate BMI : If you want to know your body mass index, then divide
your body weight in Kg. by your height in metre square viz.
Weight in Kg. Weight
Body Mass Index (BMI) = or
(Height in m) 2 Height × Height
The WHO criteria for underweight, healthy or normal weight, overweight and
obesity by BMI.
Sports & Nutrition 45
Category BMI
So, you can come to know about your weight category after having a glance at these
criteria.
Significance of Healthy Weight : Reading and maintaining a healthy weight is
important for overall health. It can help you prevent and control many diseases. An
overweight or obese person is at higher risk of developing serious health like high blood
pressure, heart diseases, type-2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problem, etc. Maintaining
a healthy weight lowers your risk for developing such life threatening diseases and gives
you more energy to enjoy your life.
Factors which contribute to Healthy Weight : There are many factors which
contribute to a person’s weight. These factors include environment, family, history,
genetic, metabolism, behaviour and habits, etc.
THE PITFALLS OF DIETING
Now-a-days everybody wants to remain slim and trim. The persons, who are overweight
or obese also want to reduce or lose weight. They use various methods of weightloss.
Most of them adhere to dieting to lose weight. In starting dieting produces good results.
But after initial success it adds more weight later on. Even research studies indicate that
90% of the dieters gain all of their weight back. We know that losing weight is not as
simple as it sounds. Eat less and exercise more to burn calories. We know this scientific
fact but it is difficult to implement. The major pit falls of dieting are discussed ahead :
1. Lack of proper nutrients : Dieting leads to limit major nutrients severly. You
cut out carbohydrates, fats, proteins and other nutrients. Try to understand that
your body needs all forms of nutrients. To keep your healthy, understand how
much amount of particular nutrients are required for your body and follow
accordingly.
2. Extreme reduction of calories : For dieting intake of calories are reduced
extremely. Research studies indicate that 1800 calories a day cannot meet all the
nutritional requirements of an individual. If you reduce more intake of calories
it will produce, a huge weightloss. It can be dangerous for you.
3. Skipping meals : It is fact that if you have good metabolic rate, you can maintain
46 Physical Education-XII
or lose weight. If it is low you gain weight very easily. So, if you skip meals, it
will lower your metabolism to conserve energy.
4. Underestimating how much you eat : It is a fact that most of the dietors
underestimate the number of calories they consume. To make yourself aware
keep a detailed food chart of journal.
5. Liquid calories : Alcohol, fizzy drinks, squashes, cold drinks, packed juices, etc.
add a lost of calories. Research suggests that drinking calories contribute a lot in
weight gain. Be very careful by sticking to diet drinks.
6. Not performing exercise : If you do on dieting and do not perform exercise it
will not work properly. Instead of losing weight you are likely to gain weight. As
a matter of fact, exercise has a positive effect on metabolism and also helps burn
some extra calories. Exercise increases metabolic rate which ultimately reduces
body weight. So, dieting is beneficial if you perform exercise along with it.
7. Infrequent Eating : Dieting leads to infrequent eating. While cutting calories is
important, you should try to eat a small, nutritions meal every 3 to 4 hours to
keep your metabolism going. Always have breakfast within an hour of waking
up to give a good start to your day.
8. Not getting enough proteins : Dieting will cut down your protein intake. Proteins
are very important for your healthy body. They help you feel more alert. Adding
peanut butter to your toast in the breakfast or a few walnuts to your cereal or
even a boiled egg will supply you proteins.
9. Weakness on body parts : Muscles become weak and bone density decreases,
and reduces joint and bone life.
FOOD INTOLERANCE
Food intolerance is more common than food allergy. Food intolerance is a term used
widely for varied physiological responses associated with a particular food. In simple
responses associated with a particular food. In simple words food intolerance means the
individual elements of certain food that cannot be properly processed and absorbed by
our digestive system.
Causes of Food Intolerance
(i) Inactivity of enzymes responsible for breaking down or absorbing of food
elements
(ii) Cellac disease
(iii) Organic chemicals present in food
(iv) Illness
(v) Diet related problems
(vi) Lifestyle with erratic food intakes
(vii) High intake of refined foods
(viii) Poor intake of dietary fibres
Sports & Nutrition 47
Symptoms of food intolerance
(i) Gas cramps or bloating
(ii) Stomach pain
(iii) Diarrhoea
(iv) Headache
(v) Vomitting
(vi) Heart-burn
Management of Food Intolerance : Individuals can try minor changes to diet to
exclude food causing clear cut reactions. If you are not able to know the food which
causes problem you should seek expert medical help. Guidance can also be provided
by your general practitioner to assist in diagnosis and management. For managing
food intolerance fructose intolerance therapy, lactose intolerance therapy and hestmine
intolerance therapy can be applied.
Food Myths : There are many myths related to food which are prevailing not only
in India but all over the world. What to eat, when to eat and how often to eat are such
questions which usually confuse most of the individuals. We believe in such myths
because they sound like they could be true. The most common food myths are stated
below :
Myth 1 : Carbohydrates make you fat.
Fact : Carbohydrates are the source of energy. Taking right amount of carbohydrates
is not responsible for making you fat. Actually, having too much carbohydrates make
you fat.
Myth 2 : Eating eggs raises cholesterol level and are therefore bad for health.
Fact : One egg a day is not harmful.
Myth 3 : Microwaving of food destroy nutrients.
Fact : Overcooking may destroy nutrients whether it is cooked over burner or in
microwave.
Myth 4 : Low for milk has less calcium than full fat milk.
Fact : Skimmed and semi skimmed milk have more calcium because calcium is in
watery part and not in creamy part of milk.
Myth 5 : Vegetarians cannot build muscles.
Fact : Vegetarians can be as muscular as meat eater by getting their proteins from
vegetable sources such as cheese, nuts, pulses and grains.
Myth 6 : Healthy food is expensive.
Fact : Tinned, stored, packed, off-seasonal food is expensive whereas local, seasonal
food in expensive cheap and easily available, moreover, it is more nutrients.
Myth 7 : Only overweight persons need exercise
Fact : Many people think that exercises help lose weight and they do not need to
48 Physical Education-XII
lose weight whereas exercise help keep us healthy physically and mentally. Moreover it
manages stress of life and develops socialization.
Myth 8 : Adding salt in food means adding sodium in food. Which is harmful for
health.
Fact : Salt is the source of iodine. Which is required in right amount to keep the body
away from disease like goitre. Apart from the myths mentioned above there are many
myth common among people which are totally baseless, For example :
(i) A raw food provides enzymes that are essential for digestion.
(ii) All saturated fats raises blood cholesterol.
(iii) Added sugar is always bad for an individual.
(iv) Fried foods are always two fatty.
(v) Processed food has no place in healthy diet.
(vi) Pasteurization destroys vitamins and minerals in milk.
(vii) Drinking tea causes dehydration.
(viii) It is important to fat periodically to cleanse toxins from body.
(ix) Food eaten late night is more fattening.
(x) Slow metabolisms prevents weight loss.
Sports & Nutrition 49
Important Questions
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. What do you mean by balanced diet? (2012)
2. What do you mean by nutrition?
3. Give a definition of nutrition?
4. What is bulimia?
5. Define nutritive components?
6. Discuss non-nutritive components. (All India, 2015)
7. Name the essential elements of a balanced diet.
8. Describe the sources of carbohydrates.
9. Discuss about proteins.
10. What do you mean by vitamins?
11. What do you meany by eating disorders?
12. What is anorexia nervosa?
13. Define healthy weight
14. Define food myth.
15. What is food intolerance? (All India 2017, 2018)
16. What are fats?
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 MARKS)
1. Give your view point on ‘Balanced Diet.’
2. What do you mean by macro and micro nutrients?
3. What do you meany by nutritive and non-nutritive components of diet?
4. Write the symptoms of anorexia nervosa.
5. Write a short note on vitamins.
6. Briefly discuss the various types of minerals.
7. What is roughage? Explain in brief.
8. Briefly explain about eating disorder.
9. Briefly explain the role of individual in the prevention of bulimia.
10. Briefly explain any two food myths.
11. Explain balanced diet along with its essential elements.
12. Write a note on anorexia nervosa.
13. Discuss any four pitfalls of dieting.
14. Explain the prevention and treatment of bulimia.
15. Discuss the causes and symptoms of anorexia nervosa.
50 Physical Education-XII
ANSWER :
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (d) 9. (a) 10. (a)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (c)
21. (d) 22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (c) 25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (a) 29. (c)