Nutrition

“You are what you eat,” they say, but what does that really mean? In Nutrition, kids will discover that it’s true: Everything you put into your body affects its ability to move, grow, and live. If your diet consists mostly of fatty foods, like French fries, your body will turn those fries into fat cells that will add to that bulging belly, rather than use them for fuel. Nutrition, for kids, is broken down here into easily digestible sections, including one on how our bodies turn certain foods into carbohydrates – a major source of fuel. They’ll learn about good fats and bad fats, and find out why protein should come mostly from veggies and nuts, rather than meat and dairy.

Further in, they’ll discover the importance of vitamins and minerals, and learn about how these critical elements build and power our bodies. They’ll also discover why two other basic nutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidants, are essential to good nutrition. For kids interested in the workings of the body, a centerfold showing the digestive system and all its related organs will be a fun and fascinating read. Finally, budding gastronomes will enjoy reading about why Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian diets – with their reliance on fresh, low-fat foods – are models that we all should follow for optimum health.