Diet

Definition

A diet is the sum of food and drink consumed by a person. It encompasses the types, quantities, and frequency of meals eaten.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A balanced diet includes a variety of nutrients essential for maintaining health.
2. Macronutrients in a diet include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
3. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals that are crucial in small amounts.
4. Dietary guidelines vary based on age, gender, activity level, and medical conditions.
5. Nurses need to understand dietary restrictions for patients with conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Review Questions

• What are the components of a balanced diet?
• Name three macronutrients and two micronutrients important in a diet.
• Why is it important for nurses to understand dietary restrictions?

Related terms

Nutrition:

The process by which living organisms obtain and use food to support all life processes.

Calorie:

A unit of energy that measures the amount of energy food provides to the body.

Metabolism:

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms to convert food into energy.