Food fundamentals

Food glorious food!

Eating is certainly one of life’s simple pleasures. Food plays an important social and cultural role in our lives. Eating with others can bind relationships and many foods have cultural origins dating back centuries.

Food fuels the body

Food contains macro-nutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate) and micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals). Every day, the body needs all of these and more to stay healthy. When we are told to fill our cars with “premium gasoline”, we do so. In the same way, we should also fill our bodies with the right fuel to keep us going through the day.

About this section

This section looks at some important points about food – its nutrients, food package labels, food safety and the best foods for you and your family. You can find out:

• how to get a balance of vegetables and fruit, grain products, milk and alternatives and meat and alternatives
• where “other foods” such as drinks and treats fit into your family’s diet
• how to read and understand food product labels
• why your body needs carbohydrate, protein and fat
• what role some common vitamins and minerals play in your body
• how to consider ingredients such as sweeteners and caffeine
• how to store and prepare food safely
• if organic food is always the best choice for your family.