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Using the information provided in the chart, comment and elaborate on the factors that make it difficult for teenagers to eat a healthy diet - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2022
Question 1
Using the information provided in the chart, comment and elaborate on the factors that make it difficult for teenagers to eat a healthy diet. The National Teens Foo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Using the information provided in the chart, comment and elaborate on the factors that make it difficult for teenagers to eat a healthy diet - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2022
Step 1
Using the information provided in the chart, comment and elaborate on the factors that make it difficult for teenagers to eat a healthy diet.
Answer
The difficulties faced by teenagers when trying to adhere to a healthy diet can be summarized as follows:
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Likes/Dislikes (57%): Teenagers often have preferences shaped by taste, presentation, and familiarity with certain foods. The enjoyment of high sugar and salt foods may discourage them from trying healthier options.
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Convenience (52%): With a busy lifestyle, ready-to-eat and processed foods become attractive choices. Quick meal options often take precedence over healthier, time-consuming preparations.
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Availability (35%): Access to nutritious foods can be limited by location and available options at stores or school canteens. Availability of fresher options may not match the convenience of processed foods.
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Cost (29%): Financial constraints can lead teenagers to opt for cheaper, less healthy food options, which are often processed and high in sugar and fats.
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Advertising (25%): Marketing tactics heavily target young demographics, leading them towards unhealthy foods through appealing advertisements and influencers.
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Other (3%): Additional factors include peer influence and cultural norms, which may lead to unhealthy dietary habits.
Step 2
Give a detailed account of the dietary measures to follow when planning and preparing meals for teenagers.
Answer
When planning and preparing meals for teenagers, several dietary measures should be considered:
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Use of food variety to ensure balance: Incorporate a range of foods to provide all essential nutrients needed for growth and maintenance.
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Nutritional balance: Consider the need for protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. Tailor meals to 12-18-year-olds' specific dietary requirements.
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Consider personal likes and dislikes: Engage teenagers in meal planning to cater to their preferences and ensure they enjoy their food.
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Frequency and timing: Ensure regular meal intervals to align with their higher energy needs as they are often involved in more physical activities during this age.
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Healthy cooking methods: Opt for baking, grilling, or steaming over frying to retain nutrients and flavor in foods.
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Make meals convenient: Prepare ahead and utilize easy-to-handle portion sizes, making it simpler for teenagers to access healthy choices on-the-go.
Step 3
An adequate intake of Vitamin D is essential in a healthy diet. Give an account of Vitamin D with reference to:
Answer
Vitamin D is crucial for several reasons:
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Biological functions: It plays a direct role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D assists the body in utilizing calcium effectively.
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Effects of deficiency: Lack of Vitamin D can lead to several health issues, notably rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. These issues may manifest as weakening bones, increased risk of fractures, and tooth decay.
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Properties: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in fats and oils. It can be sourced from certain foods or synthesized by the body through sunlight exposure. Its structure allows it to remain stable in food processing and cooking methods.
Step 4
Discuss how the health status of an individual can influence their choice when purchasing foods.
Answer
The health status of individuals can significantly shape their food purchasing decisions in various ways:
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Special dietary requirements: Conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, or allergies often force individuals to select foods that align with their health needs, steering them away from common options.
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Health awareness: Those who are informed about the impacts of diet on health may prioritize healthier, nutrient-rich foods, whereas others may neglect this, resulting in poor choices.
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Social influences: Peer and familial influences can either motivate healthier choices or perpetuate unhealthy eating patterns, reflective of their health status.
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Economic factors: Financial constraints can make it difficult for individuals with specific health issues to afford the recommended dietary changes, impacting their food selection process.
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Lifestyle choices: A desire for maintaining weight, improving metabolism, or managing conditions like high blood pressure may drive individuals to select healthier food options consciously.