Vocabulary for Describing Nutrition and Dietetics
- macronutrient – a nutrient needed in large amounts to maintain health, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- micronutrient – a nutrient needed in smaller amounts to maintain health, such as vitamins and minerals.
- calorie – a unit of energy in food that is used to measure the energy value of a food.
- metabolism – the process by which the body converts food into energy.
- nutrient – a substance that provides nourishment to the body.
- malnutrition – a condition in which the body does not receive enough nutrients to maintain good health.
- anorexia – a disorder characterized by a fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of one’s body weight.
- bulimia – a disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging, fasting, or excessive exercise.
- diet – the foods and drinks that a person or animal consumes regularly.
- dietetics – the study of the science of nutrition and the practical application of its principles for the maintenance of health.
- digestion – the process by which food is broken down into smaller components and absorbed into the body.
- nutrient dense – a food that provides a high amount of nutrients in relation to its calorie content.
- junk food – foods that are high in calories, fat, and sugar but low in nutrients.
- portion control – the practice of controlling the amount of food that is consumed at one time.
- balanced diet – a diet that includes a variety of foods in the right proportions to provide all the necessary nutrients.
- malnutrition – a condition in which the body does not receive enough nutrients to maintain good health.
- caloric intake – the total number of calories consumed in a day.
- weight management – the process of controlling one’s weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
- BMR – Basal Metabolic Rate, the number of calories required to maintain basic bodily functions at rest.
- weight loss – the reduction in body weight through a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
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