Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Explain what a balanced diet is and its components.
• Identify common diseases caused by poor nutrition.
• Discuss the effects of overeating.
• Design a simple, healthy dietary chart.

Lesson summary

This lesson explores the powerful connection between what we eat and how we live. In Ghana, we are blessed with a rich variety of delicious foods, from *fufu* and *banku* to *waakye* and *kontomire* stew. At the same time, we see more foreign foods like pizza and fried chicken becoming popular. Understanding how to choose the right foods in the right amounts is crucial for having the energy to study, play sports, avoid sickness, and live a long, healthy life. This lesson is not just about memorising facts; it's about making smart choices for your health every single day.

Lesson notes

This section breaks down the essential knowledge you need for this topic. A. Fundamental Definitions Diet: A person's diet is simply the combination of all the foods and drinks they consume regularly. It is not just about losing weight; everyone has a diet. Your daily intake of *kenkey*, stew, fruits, and water makes up your diet. Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is one that contains all the essential nutrient classes in their correct proportions to meet the body's needs for growth, energy, and maintenance. It is about variety and moderation. Malnutrition: This means "poor nutrition." It is a broad term that covers two main conditions: Undernutrition: This happens when you do not get enough nutrients. This can lead to deficiency diseases. Overnutrition: This happens when you consume too many calories or nutrients, especially fats, sugars, and salt. This can lead to conditions like obesity and diabetes. B. The Ghanaian Food Groups and a Balanced Diet

To build a balanced diet, we need to eat foods from all the major food groups. Let's use Ghanaian examples:

| Nutrient Class | Function in the Body | Common Ghanaian Food Sources | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Carbohydrates | Main source of energy for daily activities, sports, and studying. | Yam, Cassava (*banku*, *fufu*, *gari*), Rice (*waakye*, plain rice), Maize (*kenkey*, *koko*), Plantain (*ampesi*, fried plantain) | | Proteins | Builds and repairs body tissues (muscles, skin, hair). Essential for growth. | Fish (Tilapia, Kpanla, Tuna), Chicken, Meat, Beans, Groundnuts (*nkate*), Eggs, Soya beans, 'Wrewre' (melon seeds) | | Fats and Oils | A concentrated source of energy, insulation, and absorption of some vitamins. | Palm oil, Groundnut oil, Coconut oil, Shea butter, Avocado ('Pear'), Margarine | | Vitamins | Protect the body from diseases, help with eyesight, skin health, etc. | Oranges, Mangoes, Pawpaw, Pineapple, Leafy green vegetables (*kontomire*, *alefu*), Garden eggs, Tomatoes, Carrots | | Minerals | Needed for strong bones (Calcium), healthy blood (Iron), and other body functions. | Milk, 'Koobi' (salted fish for calcium), *Kontomire* (for iron), Beans, Iodized Salt (for iodine) | | Water | Hydrates the body, regulates temperature, and helps transport nutrients. | Drinking water, fruits like watermelon, fresh fruit juices. | C. The Role of Diet in Healthy Living

Eating a balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Here’s why: Provides Energy: Carbohydrates and fats are the fuel for your body. Without enough energy, you will feel tired in class, unable to concentrate, and too weak to participate in sports. Promotes Growth and Repair: Proteins are the building blocks of your body. During your teenage years, your body is growing rapidly. Protein is essential for building strong muscles and repairing any damaged tissues. Strengthens the Immune System: Vitamins and minerals act as your body's army. Vitamin C (from oranges) helps fight off colds, while other nutrients keep your immune system strong, so you get sick less often. Maintains a Healthy Weight: A balanced diet helps you control your weight. Overeating, especially sugary and fatty foods, leads to weight gain and obesity. Undereating leads to being underweight and weak. Ensures Mental Alertness: Your brain needs nutrients to function well. A good breakfast, for example, improves concentration and performance in school. Iron is crucial for preventing fatigue and maintaining focus. Prevents Chronic Diseases: A poor diet over a long time can lead to serious diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and heart disease. D. Malnutrition in the Ghanaian Context Undernutrition and Deficiency Diseases

Evaluation guide

• Discuss the role of diet in healthy living
• Inq
• uiry-based Learning: Working in mixed ability groups, research about the
• deficiency diseases and effect of overeating of common local and foreign diets.