Vocabulary Words Every Nutritionist Should Know

Food

Definition: Any substance that can be eaten.

• I love Italian food.
• Healthy food is important for our bodies.
• They prepared a lot of food for the party.

Food in a sentence

Eat

Definition: To take food into the body through the mouth.

• I like to eat apples.
• She eats breakfast every morning.
• We will eat lunch at noon.

Eat in a sentence

Drink

Definition: A liquid that can be consumed; to take in liquid through the mouth.

• I like to drink juice in the morning.
• Please drink water to stay hydrated.
• He ordered a drink at the café.

Drink in a sentence

Healthy

Definition: Beneficial to health; not harmful.

• Eating vegetables is a healthy choice.
• It's important to stay active and healthy.
• She follows a healthy diet every day.

Healthy in a sentence

Sugar

Definition: A sweet substance used in food and drinks; it can be natural or added.

• I like to add sugar to my tea.
• Too much sugar can be unhealthy.
• She enjoys baking cookies with sugar.

Sugar in a sentence

Salt

Definition: A white substance used to flavor food; a mineral.

• I like to add salt to my popcorn.
• Too much salt can be bad for your health.
• Salt is used to preserve food.

Salt in a sentence

Fat

Definition: A substance in food that can be a source of energy but can also be unhealthy in excess.

• The cake was rich and had a lot of fat.
• She learned about healthy fats versus unhealthy fats.
• Eating too much fat can lead to health problems.

Fat in a sentence

Fruit

Definition: The sweet and fleshy part of a plant that contains seeds.

• Apples and bananas are my favorite fruits.
• Eating fruit is good for your health.
• She made a fruit salad for lunch.

Fruit in a sentence

Vegetable

Definition: A plant or part of a plant used as food, typically eaten as part of a meal.

• Carrots are my favorite vegetable.
• She eats a lot of vegetable to stay healthy.
• The salad was filled with fresh vegetables.

Vegetable in a sentence

Bread

Definition: A common food made from flour, water, and yeast.

• I love to eat fresh bread with butter.
• We make sandwiches using whole grain bread.
• Bread is a staple food in many cultures.

Bread in a sentence

Meat

Definition: The flesh of animals used as food.

• He prefers chicken meat over beef.
• She cooked meat for dinner tonight.
• Understanding different types of meat is important in cooking.

Meat in a sentence

Fish

Definition: A water-dwelling animal that has gills and fins.

• I caught a fish while we were fishing.
• Fish is a healthy food to eat.
• The aquarium has many colorful fish to see.

Fish in a sentence

Milk

Definition: A white liquid produced by mammals; often consumed as a drink.

• I drink milk every morning.
• Milk is used to make cheese and yogurt.
• She likes to add milk to her tea.

Milk in a sentence

Water

Definition: A clear liquid that all living things need.

• We drink water every day.
• Plants need water to grow.
• The glass is full of water.

Water in a sentence

Cook

Definition: To prepare food using heat.

• She loves to cook pasta.
• He is cooking dinner for his family.
• I will cook breakfast in the morning.

Cook in a sentence

Meal

Definition: An occasion when food is eaten; breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• We had a big meal for Thanksgiving.
• She enjoys cooking a meal for her family.
• He likes to share a meal with friends.

Meal in a sentence

Snack

Definition: A small amount of food eaten between meals.

• I like to have a snack after school.
• She packed a healthy snack for the trip.
• Popcorn is a popular snack at the movies.

Snack in a sentence

Breakfast

Definition: The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning.

• I eat cereal for breakfast every day.
• Breakfast is important for a good start.
• What do you like to have for breakfast?

Breakfast in a sentence

Lunch

Definition: A meal eaten in the middle of the day.

• They had sandwiches for lunch.
• She packed her lunch with fruits and snacks.
• Understanding the importance of lunch helps maintain energy.

Lunch in a sentence

Dinner

Definition: The main meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening.

• We always have dinner together as a family.
• What are you cooking for dinner tonight?
• Dinner will be served at 6 PM.

Dinner in a sentence

Recipe

Definition: A set of instructions for preparing a dish.

• I found a new recipe for cookies.
• She followed the recipe to make dinner.
• He loves to share his favorite recipe with friends.

Recipe in a sentence

Nutrition

Definition: The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health.

• Good nutrition is important for growing children.
• She studies nutrition to help others eat better.
• Nutrition labels help us make healthy choices.

Nutrition in a sentence

Vitamin

Definition: a natural substance needed for healthy growth and development

• Vitamins are important for maintaining good health.
• She takes a vitamin every day to stay healthy.
• Understanding vitamins helps in nutrition education.

Vitamin in a sentence

Mineral

Definition: A naturally occurring substance that is solid and stable at room temperature.

• Salt is an essential mineral for our bodies.
• They studied different minerals in science class.
• The mineral content in the soil affects plant growth.

Mineral in a sentence

Protein

Definition: a nutrient important for the body

• Meat is a good source of protein.
• She includes protein in her diet.
• The protein helps build muscle.

Protein in a sentence

Carbohydrate

Definition: A type of nutrient found in foods that provides energy; includes sugars and starches.

• Bread and pasta are rich in carbohydrates.
• She learned about carbohydrates and their role in nutrition.
• Carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrate in a sentence

Energy

Definition: The ability to do work or cause change; vitality.

• I need more energy to finish my homework.
• He has a lot of energy after a good sleep.
• They use solar energy to power their home.

Energy in a sentence

Diet

Definition: The kinds of food and drink a person regularly consumes.

• She follows a healthy diet to stay fit.
• His diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
• They discussed the importance of a balanced diet.

Diet in a sentence

Calorie

Definition: A unit of energy; often used to measure food energy.

• A slice of pizza has about 300 calories.
• He counts his calories to stay healthy.
• Understanding calories helps in managing diet.

Calorie in a sentence

Fiber

Definition: A thread or filament from plants or animals.

• Eating fiber is important for a healthy diet.
• She included more fiber in her meals for better digestion.
• The fabric contains natural fiber from cotton.

Fiber in a sentence

Portion

Definition: a part or share of something

• She took a small portion of the cake.
• The portion sizes in restaurants are often large.
• He divided the pizza into equal portions.

Portion in a sentence

Balance

Definition: A state of stability; an equal distribution of weight or amount.

• It's important to maintain a balance between work and play.
• She tries to balance her studies and hobbies.
• The scale showed a perfect balance.

Balance in a sentence

Nutrient

Definition: A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and health.

• Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients.
• He learned about different nutrients in his science class.
• Understanding nutrients helps make healthier food choices.

Nutrient in a sentence

Digestion

Definition: The process of breaking down food in the body.

• Good digestion is important for overall health.
• He learned about the digestion process in science class.
• Understanding digestion helps in maintaining a balanced diet.

Digestion in a sentence

Metabolism

Definition: the process by which the body converts food into energy

• Metabolism affects how quickly the body burns calories.
• He learned about metabolism in his biology class.
• Understanding metabolism is important for nutrition.

Metabolism in a sentence

Hydration

Definition: the process of absorbing water to maintain body fluids

• Good hydration is essential for health.
• They learned about hydration in health class.
• After the game, hydration was important for recovery.

Hydration in a sentence

Weight

Definition: The measure of how heavy something is; a force that pulls objects down.

• He lifted weights at the gym to build strength.
• The weight of the package was too heavy.
• She checked her weight regularly to stay healthy.

Weight in a sentence

Supplement

Definition: something added to enhance or complete

• He takes a vitamin supplement for better health.
• She added a supplement to her diet for energy.
• The textbook includes a supplement for additional practice.

Supplement in a sentence

Allergy

Definition: A reaction to something that is usually harmless.

• She has an allergy to peanuts and must avoid them.
• His allergy made it hard to play outside in the spring.
• The doctor gave her medicine for her allergy.

Allergy in a sentence

Label

Definition: a tag or sticker that provides information

• The label on the bottle shows the ingredients.
• He read the label to check for allergens.
• She put a label on each box for organization.

Label in a sentence

Serving

Definition: The act of presenting food or drink to someone.

• She is responsible for serving dinner to the guests.
• The serving of the cake was done with a smile.
• He enjoys serving his friends during parties.

Serving in a sentence

Food Group

Definition: categories of food with similar nutritional properties

• Fruits and vegetables are an important food group.
• Each food group provides different nutrients.
• We learned about the food groups in health class.

Intake

Definition: The amount of food or drink consumed.

• The doctor advised her to monitor her calorie intake.
• He adjusted his water intake during hot weather.
• A balanced intake of nutrients is important for health.

Intake in a sentence

Lifestyle

Definition: The way a person lives, including their habits, attitudes, and choices.

• Her lifestyle is very active and healthy.
• He changed his lifestyle to eat better and exercise.
• They promote a sustainable lifestyle in their community.

Lifestyle in a sentence

Exercise

Definition: Physical activity to improve health and fitness.

• I try to exercise every day to stay healthy.
• She enjoys exercise classes at the gym.
• He includes exercise in his daily routine.

Exercise in a sentence

Wellness

Definition: The state of being in good health; overall well-being.

• She practices yoga for her wellness.
• Wellness is important for a happy life.
• They promote wellness through healthy eating.

Wellness in a sentence

Vegetarian

Definition: A person who does not eat meat; also refers to food that does not contain meat.

• He became a vegetarian for health reasons.
• The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.
• Understanding vegetarianism can promote healthier eating.

Vegetarian in a sentence

Vegan

Definition: a person who does not eat animal products

• She follows a vegan diet for health reasons.
• They serve vegan dishes at the restaurant.
• Being vegan means avoiding meat and dairy.

Vegan in a sentence

Supplementation

Definition: the process of adding something to improve quality

• Vitamin supplementation can help with deficiencies.
• She started supplementation to boost her health.
• Understanding supplementation is important for nutrition.

Supplementation in a sentence

Antioxidant

Definition: A substance that prevents damage caused by free radicals.

• Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants.
• Antioxidants help protect the body from aging.
• She takes supplements that contain antioxidants.

Antioxidant in a sentence

Enzyme

Definition: a special protein that helps speed up chemical reactions in living things

• Enzymes in our bodies help digest food faster.
• The scientist studied how enzymes work in plants.
• Without enzymes, many reactions in our cells would happen too slowly.

Enzyme in a sentence

Glycemic

Definition: Relating to blood sugar levels; often used in diet discussions.

• Foods with a low glycemic index are healthier.
• He learned about glycemic control for diabetes.
• The glycemic response can vary with different foods.

Cholesterol

Definition: A type of fat found in the blood; important for body function but can cause health issues if levels are too high.

• Eating too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels.
• She monitored her cholesterol for heart health.
• Cholesterol is necessary for building cell membranes.

Cholesterol in a sentence

Obesity

Definition: A medical condition characterized by excessive body fat.

• Obesity can lead to various health issues.
• He learned about obesity and its effects on health.
• Maintaining a healthy diet helps prevent obesity.

Obesity in a sentence

Malnutrition

Definition: a condition caused by not getting enough nutrients

• Malnutrition can lead to serious health problems.
• The charity works to fight malnutrition in children.
• Understanding malnutrition is essential for improving health.

Malnutrition in a sentence

Imbalance

Definition: A lack of balance or equality; disproportion.

• There is an imbalance of resources in the community.
• The imbalance in the team affected their performance.
• They noticed an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Imbalance in a sentence

Organic

Definition: Produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers.

• She prefers to eat organic fruits and vegetables.
• Organic farming helps maintain soil health.
• Understanding organic products can lead to healthier choices.

Organic in a sentence

Processed

Definition: Having been treated or changed for a specific purpose.

• The processed food is easier to store.
• I prefer fresh produce over processed items.
• Processed materials often have a longer shelf life.

Processed in a sentence

Wholefoods

Definition: natural and unprocessed foods

• Wholefoods are often healthier than processed ones.
• She prefers shopping at the wholefoods store.
• Eating wholefoods can improve your diet.

Intolerance

Definition: Lack of acceptance for beliefs or behaviors different from one's own; unwillingness to accept differences.

• Intolerance can lead to conflict and division.
• She spoke against intolerance in her community.
• Fighting intolerance is important for a peaceful society.

Intolerance in a sentence

Recommendation

Definition: A suggestion or proposal about the best course of action; a letter supporting someone.

• She wrote a recommendation for her friend's job application.
• The teacher gave a recommendation for a book.
• He asked for a recommendation from his mentor.

Recommendation in a sentence

Guideline

Definition: A rule or instruction that helps people make decisions.

• The teacher provided guidelines for the project.
• Follow the guideline to stay safe.
• They created a guideline for studying effectively.

Guideline in a sentence

Assessment

Definition: An evaluation or test to measure knowledge or skills.

• The teacher gave an assessment to check our progress.
• We will have a math assessment next week.
• Assessments help identify areas to improve.

Assessment in a sentence

Macronutrients

Definition: Nutrients required in large amounts for energy and growth, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

• Macronutrients are essential for a balanced diet.
• She learned about macronutrients in her nutrition class.
• Understanding macronutrients promotes healthier eating habits.

Micronutrients

Definition: Essential vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts for health.

• Micronutrients are crucial for proper body function.
• Fruits and vegetables are rich in micronutrients.
• Understanding micronutrients is important for a balanced diet.

Phytochemicals

Definition: Plural of phytochemical; compounds found in plants that may affect health.

• Phytochemicals have antioxidant properties.
• She included more phytochemicals in her diet for health.
• Understanding phytochemicals is important in nutrition.

Antioxidants

Definition: Compounds that fight oxidative stress in the body.

• Antioxidants are important for overall health.
• Many foods are packed with antioxidants.
• She enjoys smoothies that are high in antioxidants.

Calorimetry

Definition: The measurement of heat changes in chemical reactions or physical processes.

• Calorimetry helps scientists understand energy changes.
• She learned about calorimetry in her chemistry lab.
• Understanding calorimetry is important in food science.

Calorimetry in a sentence

Nutrient-dense

Definition: Foods that provide a lot of nutrients for relatively few calories; high in vitamins and minerals.

• Leafy greens are considered nutrient-dense.
• She prefers nutrient-dense snacks over sugary ones.
• Eating nutrient-dense meals supports overall health.

Glycemic Index

Definition: A scale that ranks foods based on their effect on blood sugar levels.

• The glycemic index helps choose healthier options.
• She checked the glycemic index before her meal.
• Foods with a high glycemic index can spike blood sugar.

Satiety

Definition: The feeling of being full or satisfied after eating.

• Satiety signals tell us when to stop eating.
• She learned about satiety and its effects on diet.
• Understanding satiety can help with weight management.

Satiety in a sentence

Dietary Fiber

Definition: Plant-based carbohydrates that are not digested in the body.

• Eating dietary fiber is good for digestion.
• She includes dietary fiber in her meals.
• Fruits and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber.

Dietary Fiber in a sentence

Food Security

Definition: the state of having reliable access to enough nutritious food

• Food security ensures that everyone has enough to eat.
• She volunteers for programs that promote food security.
• Understanding food security is crucial for combating hunger.

Chronic Disease

Definition: A disease that persists for a long time and often cannot be cured.

• Heart disease is a serious chronic disease affecting many people.
• Managing a chronic disease requires lifestyle changes and medical care.
• Education about chronic disease is important for prevention.

Functional Foods

Definition: Foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

• Fruits and vegetables are often considered functional foods.
• Many people choose functional foods to boost their diet.
• He researches functional foods for a healthier lifestyle.

Nutrient Profiling

Definition: A method of assessing the nutrient content of foods to inform consumers.

• Nutrient profiling helps identify healthy food choices.
• She learned about nutrient profiling in her nutrition class.
• The app uses nutrient profiling to suggest meals.

Portion Control

Definition: The practice of managing the size of servings to promote healthy eating.

• She practiced portion control to maintain her diet.
• Portion control is important for weight management.
• He learned about portion control in his nutrition class.

Food Sovereignty

Definition: the right of people to choose their food sources

• Food sovereignty emphasizes local control over food systems.
• The community advocates for food sovereignty.
• Food sovereignty supports sustainable agriculture.

Dietary Guidelines

Definition: Recommendations for healthy eating and nutrition.

• Dietary guidelines help people make better food choices.
• They learned about dietary guidelines in health class.
• Following dietary guidelines can improve overall health.

Lifestyle Intervention

Definition: Changes made to improve health and well-being through modifications in daily habits.

• The doctor recommended a lifestyle intervention to reduce stress.
• She joined a program focused on lifestyle intervention.
• Lifestyle intervention can lead to better health outcomes.

Nutrient Absorption

Definition: The process by which the body takes in nutrients from food; essential for health.

• Nutrient absorption is crucial for growth and energy.
• He learned about nutrient absorption in his biology class.
• Factors like digestion affect nutrient absorption.

Health Disparities

Definition: Differences in health outcomes among different populations.

• Health disparities can be caused by socioeconomic factors.
• She researched health disparities in her community.
• Understanding health disparities helps in addressing inequalities.

Homeostasis

Definition: The ability of a living organism to maintain stable internal conditions.

• Homeostasis is essential for the body's proper functioning.
• The body regulates temperature to achieve homeostasis.
• Understanding homeostasis is crucial for biology studies.

Homeostasis in a sentence

Dysbiosis

Definition: An imbalance in the microbial communities in the body, often leading to health issues.

• Dysbiosis can affect digestion and overall health.
• She learned about dysbiosis in her biology class.
• Addressing dysbiosis can improve gut health.

Prebiotics

Definition: Plural of prebiotic; substances that help beneficial gut bacteria grow.

• Prebiotics are found in foods like onions and bananas.
• She takes a supplement with prebiotics for gut health.
• Understanding prebiotics is essential for nutrition.

Probiotics

Definition: Products containing live microorganisms that support health.

• Probiotics help maintain a healthy digestive system.
• You can find probiotics in yogurt and kefir.
• Many studies show the benefits of probiotics for wellness.

Macronutrient Ratios

Definition: The relative amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in a diet.

• Different diets have specific macronutrient ratios.
• Her trainer recommended adjusting her macronutrient ratios.
• Understanding macronutrient ratios helps with nutrition planning.

Nutritional Epidemiology

Definition: The study of how diet affects health and disease in populations.

• Nutritional epidemiology helps identify dietary risks.
• She is studying nutritional epidemiology to understand trends.
• Research in nutritional epidemiology informs public health policies.

Thermogenesis

Definition: the process of heat production in organisms

• Brown fat plays a role in thermogenesis.
• He learned about thermogenesis in biology class.
• Understanding thermogenesis is important for metabolism studies.

Thermogenesis in a sentence

Food Fortification

Definition: the process of adding nutrients to food

• Food fortification helps prevent nutrient deficiencies.
• Many cereals undergo food fortification.
• They support food fortification to improve public health.

Chronic Diseases

Definition: Long-term health conditions that may require continuous care.

• Chronic diseases can include diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
• Education about chronic diseases is vital for patients and families.
• Many organizations work to raise awareness about chronic diseases.

Dietary Patterns

Definition: The overall trends in food consumption and choices within a group.

• Dietary patterns can impact overall health and nutrition.
• He studies dietary patterns to promote healthy eating.
• Understanding dietary patterns helps in nutrition education.

Nutrient Interactions

Definition: The ways in which different nutrients affect each other's absorption and function in the body.

• Nutrient interactions can influence overall health.
• He studied how certain vitamins and minerals interact.
• Understanding nutrient interactions is important for nutrition.