sum up, physical, social and emotional changes experienced during adolescence can profoundly impact the adolescent’s nutritional status and eating patterns. Although young people are rarely motivated to learn about nutrition for the sake of longevity, learning how to apply sound dietary principles to reach our health goals can help build the foundation to a healthier life, now and in the future. Health is a key resource of young people; it influences the availability and use of other resources that are important in everyday life. What are the other resources that an individual has?
The following chapter on Management of Resources addresses this question and also discusses how best one can utilise and manage key resources such as time, energy and money. Key terms and their meaning Activity level Level of activity of a person, i.e., sedentary or light, moderate, and heavy. This is closely related to one’s occupation. Balanced diet A diet which includes a variety of foods in adequate amounts and correct proportions to supply all essential nutrients which promote and preserve good health.
Food group A number of foods sharing common characteristics which are grouped together. Characteristic for grouping may be function, nutrient, or source. Lactation The period when the mother nurses her infant. Physiological state State when nutrient needs increase because of normal physiological events such as pregnancy and lactation.
Recommended Dietary Allowances Allowances of nutrients which cover the needs of practically all healthy individuals. These are not requirements for any individual but guidelines which tell us the amount of nutrients to be consumed daily.