Ask for definitions. Clarify that a nutrient is a substance that nourishes or maintains the good health of the body. Explain that food is the body s source of 40 or more essential nutrients. Write these nutrient groups on the board. Explain that the body can t provide these nutrients for itself, so we must get them from food.
All foods provide nutrients, but in different amounts.
That s why we need to eat a variety of foods every day. All foods can be part of a healthy diet. There are no bad foods, only bad diets. Provide an example of a bad diet, such as eating foods that only contain protein. This kind of steady diet would lack other nutrients vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fats.