Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify food commodities from animal and plant sources.
• Discuss basic food requirements for different people.
• Explain the nutritional value of selected foods.
• Recognize local Ghanaian food sources.

Lesson summary

This lesson explores the fascinating and practical topic of how food needs change for different people within our own families. In Ghana, the family unit is the heart of our society, and ensuring everyone is well-fed is a shared responsibility. We will learn that "eating" is not just about filling our stomachs; it's about providing the right nutrients for our bodies to grow, work, learn, and fight diseases. Understanding these differences helps us plan healthy meals, spend money wisely at the market, and take better care of our loved ones, from the newborn baby to our respected elders (*nana*).

Lesson notes

A. The Foundation: The Six Classes of Food

Before we can understand the needs of different people, we must remember the building blocks of any healthy diet. These are the six classes of food.

| Class of Food | Main Function in the Body | Common Ghanaian Examples | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Carbohydrates | Provide the body with energy for daily activities like walking, thinking, and working. | Yam, Cassava (*gari*, *fufu*), Maize (*banku*, *kenkey*), Rice (*waakye*), Plantain (*ampesi*) | | Proteins | Build and repair body tissues (muscles, skin, hair). Essential for growth. | Beans, Groundnuts, Eggs, Fish (*tilapia*, *koobi*), Meat (chicken, goat), Soya beans | | Fats & Oils | Provide a concentrated source of energy, keep the body warm, and protect organs. | Palm oil, Coconut oil, Groundnut oil, Shea butter (*nkuto*), Avocado (*paya*) | | Vitamins | Protect the body against diseases and help it function correctly. | Fruits (Oranges, Mangoes, Pineapples), Vegetables (*Kontomire*, Cabbage, Garden eggs, Tomatoes) | | Minerals | Help in building strong bones and teeth, forming red blood cells, and controlling body processes. | Salt (Iodine), Milk (Calcium), Small fish eaten with bones like *Keta school boys* (Calcium), *Kontomire* (Iron) | | Water | Essential for all life processes, including digestion, temperature regulation, and transporting nutrients. | Drinking water, soups, fruits like watermelon. |

A balanced diet is a meal that contains all these six classes of food in the right proportions. B. Nutritional Needs Across the Family Lifecycle