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‘Health-related habits developed during teenage years tend to persist into adulthood.’ (juna.net) The National Teens Food Survey II highlights the difficulties teenagers experience when trying to eat a healthy diet - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2022
Question 1
‘Health-related habits developed during teenage years tend to persist into adulthood.’ (juna.net) The National Teens Food Survey II highlights the difficulties teen... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Health-related habits developed during teenage years tend to persist into adulthood.’ (juna.net) The National Teens Food Survey II highlights the difficulties teenagers experience when trying 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 chart illustrates the percentage of teenagers who agreed on various factors affecting their dietary choices.
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Likes/Dislikes (57%): Personal preferences heavily influence dietary choices. Teenagers often lean towards appealing foods, which may not always be the healthiest. This highlights the importance of sensory experiences and exposure to different foods from an early age.
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Convenience (52%): Convenience plays a significant role in meal selection. Processed foods that are easy to prepare are often preferred, making it challenging to maintain a healthy diet due to time constraints and availability of resources.
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Availability (35%): Access to healthy options matters. Factors such as location, product placement, and the presence of certain food types in shops significantly impact choices, particularly in areas with limited healthy food options.
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Cost (29%): Financial considerations are crucial. Healthier food options are frequently more expensive than processed alternatives, limiting access for budget-conscious teenagers.
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Advertising (25%): Marketing strategies greatly affect teenagers' perceptions and choices, promoting unhealthy options through attractive advertisements.
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Other Factors (3%): This represents additional influences, including sustainability and peer pressure, which may subtly affect their food choices.
Step 2
Give a detailed account of the dietary measures to follow when planning and preparing meals for teenagers.
Answer
To ensure a balanced and nutritious diet for teenagers, several dietary measures should be considered:
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Use of Food to Ensure Balance: Meals should aim for nutritional balance, including appropriate proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Monitoring intake of essential nutrients, especially as physical growth accelerates during teenage years, is important.
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Healthy Cooking Techniques: Opt for cooking methods that avoid excessive unhealthy fats. Methods such as grilling, baking, or steaming are preferable.
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Fruits and Vegetables: Encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables in every meal, aiming for a variety that ensures a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
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Portion Control: Teach healthy portion sizes and serving methods to help manage caloric intake effectively.
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Mindful Eating Practices: Promote mindful eating by encouraging teenagers to take time during meals and be aware of their hunger cues.
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Family Participation: Involve teenagers in meal planning and preparation to enhance their understanding of healthy eating.
Step 3
Give an account of Vitamin D with reference to: Biological functions.
Answer
Vitamin D plays several crucial biological roles in the body, including:
- Calcium Absorption: It is essential for the absorption of calcium in the gut, promoting bone growth and health.
- Bone Health: Maintains and strengthens bone structure by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, thus preventing ailments like rickets and osteomalacia.
Step 4
effects of deficiency.
Answer
Deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to various health issues:
- Rickets: Especially in children, it results in soft and weak bones.
- Osteoporosis: Increased risk in older individuals due to reduced bone density.
- Tooth Decay: Poor dental health linked to inadequate Vitamin D levels.
Step 5
properties.
Answer
Vitamin D has several unique properties:
- Chemical Nature: It is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it can be stored in body fat and is resistant to cooking, ensuring integrity in various food preparation methods.
- Effects of Different pH Levels: It remains stable and is unaffected by acidity or alkalinity in foods, which makes it consistent across dietary approaches.
Step 6
Discuss how the health status of an individual can influence their choice when purchasing foods.
Answer
The health status of an individual can significantly impact their food choices in various ways:
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Special Dietary Requirements: Individuals with specific health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease may limit certain food groups to manage their health effectively, opting for low-sugar or low-sodium options.
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Health Awareness: Those aware of health-related issues might prioritize nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains and lean proteins, that align with their health goals.
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Influence of Medical Advice: Recommendations from healthcare providers can stress the importance of certain diets, making individuals more likely to purchase foods that fit their prescribed dietary regimen.
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Personal Experiences: Individuals with prior health issues related to diet, such as allergies or intolerances, tend to avoid foods that caused problems previously, leading to more careful selection in stores.