The aim of this assignment is to investigate the dietary requirements for people of different ages, gender and lifestyles.
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Introduction
Dietary Requirements Introduction The aim of this assignment is to investigate the dietary requirements for people of different ages, gender and lifestyles. This will include looking at the nutrients found in a variety of different food groups and also calorie intake. As males require a higher calorie intake than females, when referring to a persons calorie requirement at different stages I will be stating the number as male/female, e.g. at age 0-3 months a male requires 545 kcal and females require 515 kcal, so this will be expressed as 0-3 months = 545/515 kcal. Calorie Intake A person's energy requirement will vary throughout their life due to growth and activity levels, increasing greatly through its early stages, puberty and teens, then declining slowly from the age of twenty. Over the first four months breast milk is fed to a baby, which provides the required antibodies and nutrition. At this stage the calorie requirement is 545/515. Between four to six months, the energy requirement is increased to 690/645. ...read more.
Middle
This decreases in males to 2380 at age sixty, 2330 at sixty five and 2100 at seventy five. In females, the energy requirement lowers to 1900 at age fifty and drops again to 1810 at age seventy five. These decreases in later life can be attributed to a person's general lifestyle, such as retirement. As well as growth, energy is needed for the every day workings of the body, whether the person is sleeping, relaxing, walking, or running a marathon. There are a few exceptions to these energy requirements. A pregnant woman will require extra energy, depending at which stages of the pregnancy, to cope with the demands of the growing baby. The woman will also need to intake extra iron, calcium and folic acid. This will also increase if the individual is undergoing physical activity. Energy and Nutrients All children and adults need to eat a good variety of fruit and vegetables. A combination of green leafy vegetables, red berries and other fruits and vegetables give a good balance of vitamins. ...read more.
Conclusion
Soya is a good dairy alternative for those who may be lactose intolerant or who prefer a lower fat product. Over half of the adult population in the UK is overweight. Getting the right balance between energy input and energy output is vital to keeping fit and healthy, and avoid becoming overweight. We need to make sure that the energy we take in from proteins, fats, carbohydrates and alcohol is enough to meet the needs of our energy outputs, basal metabolic rate and physical activity level. High in fat and sugar or heavily processed and fried foods should be avoided such as: ready meals; white bread; cakes, biscuits, chocolate and sweets; chips and crisps. Obesity can lead to other health issues such as joint problems, high bloody pressure, heart disease and diabetes; all of which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Conclusion A balanced diet is essential at any stage in life, and energy levels should reflect the individual's age, gender and lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy energy balance. Everyone should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and try to avoid foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Fresh foods are of more benefit than processed. ...read more.
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Here's what a teacher thought of this essay
4 star(s)
A good essay relating to calorie intake and a balanced diet. It clearly states the amount of calories needed at various life stages and the components of a balanced diet.
However, it is lacking a little depth in explanation about why these needs are required. There is a little too focused reference to sports and not life stages in the second half. It is important to remember that a balanced diet is for health not just energy.
A little more explanation about why would enhance this essay.
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Marked by teacher Sam Morran 08/01/2013
