Check out your knowledge on fats in food by having a go at the true or false quiz.
Following a healthy balanced diet is very important, eating a variety of different foods will help to keep your body healthy. However, some foods we need to be careful with – especially foods and drinks that are high in fat.
That's wrong! We all need some fat in our diet, and you actually need a small amount of fat to keep you healthy. Fat contains fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) and is used by your to body to keep your cells healthy. You also need fat for the production of some hormones.
Correct! We all need some fat in our diet, as a small amount of fat is needed to keep you healthy. Fat contains fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) and is used by your to body to keep your cells healthy and it is required to produce some hormones.
That's right, there's saturated fat – this fat is solid at room temperature and tends to come from an animal source. Examples are butter, lard, ghee, and the white fat you see in meat. You need to eat less of these types of fats; most people eat too much of them. Then there's unsaturated fat – these are split into 2 different types mono or poly unsaturated fats. These fats are liquid at room temperature (oil) and come from a nut, seed or vegetable source. Examples are olive oil, coconut oil or sesame oil. These fats are more healthy compared to saturated fats, and it is this type of fat we should use in our diet, but remember eating too much of any type is not good for you.
Sorry, it's true! There's saturated fat – this fat is solid at room temperature and tends to come from an animal source. Examples are butter, lard, ghee, and the white fat you see in meat. You need to eat less of these types of fats; most people eat too much of them. Then there's unsaturated fat – these are split into 2 different types mono or poly unsaturated fats. These fats are liquid at room temperature (oil) and come from a nut, seed or vegetable source. Examples are olive oil, coconut oil or sesame oil. These fats are more healthy compared to saturated fats, and it is this type of fat we should use in our diet, but remember eating too much of any type is not good for you.
true or false
'I need to gain weight, eating a diet high in fat will help me do this'
Sorry – it's false. You will only gain weight if you eat more calories than you need. However, eating a diet high in fat can increase your risk of having heart problems or a stroke later in life. The best way to increase your weight is to eat a balanced, healthy diet. For many teenagers who are trying to gain weight, the problem is that they aren’t eating often enough and may be skipping meals. Ideally you need to eat 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and evening meal) plus have 2-3 snacks per day. It is better to gain weight slowly and you will be adding muscle rather than just storing fat.
Correct! You will only gain weight if you eat more calories than you need. However, eating a diet high in fat can increase your risk of having heart problems or a stroke later in life. The best way to increase your weight is to eat a balanced, healthy diet. For many teenagers who are trying to gain weight, the problem is that they aren’t eating often enough and may be skipping meals. Ideally you need to eat 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and evening meal) plus have 2-3 snacks per day. It is better to gain weight slowly and you will be adding muscle rather than just storing fat.
How to get help
If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.
Find out what services are available to you in your area. Remember your school nurse is always there to give you confidential help and support.
Shropshire
TEXT YOUR SCHOOL NURSE
Shropshire
07507330346 Telford and Wrekin
07520619051
You can always contact your school nurse by visiting them in school. Or alternatively you can text them on our mobile messaging service.
The text messaging working hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Your message will be seen during those hours after which we respond most quickly to messages that need urgent attention, and we aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. If you need urgent help in the meantime, contact your doctor, visit a NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. If it is an emergency, dial 999 or visit A&E.
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