Help secondary pupils explore the links between science and fitness in this Key Stage 3/4 classroom video for PSHE and science lessons, where food expert Stefan Gates meets a triathlete to discuss his training diet.
The video is a useful scientific illustration of the effect of different foods on the body and how the amount of food we need to stay healthy can vary considerably depending on lifestyle.
Gastronuts presenter Stefan Gates meets triathlete Matt Sharp to find out about the relationship between diet and fitness. A triathlon is a punishing combination of cycling, running and swimming, and Matt has to train at least thirty hours a week.
Stefan is amazed by the amount Matt eats in a day but his diet is scientifically worked out to provide not only the necessary protein, calcium, fibre and vitamins to keep his body in peak condition but also the carbohydrate needed to provide the energy for so much intense exercise.
The video fits into a detailed lesson plan for secondary science lessons at Key Stage 3 and 4 and should prompt discussion, based on scientific evidence, about the effects of diet on health.
Useful websites
Department of Health: Diet and nutrition surveys
The Department of Health is responsible for nutrition policy (since 1st October 2010)
The Food Standards Agency: Healthier eating
The Food Standards Agency was responsible for nutrition policy until 1 October 2010. See this link for archived information on nutrition
The School Food Trust: Research projects
The School Food Trust is an independent body with the unique remit of transforming school food and food skills
Fast Food Nation: Fast food facts and figures
FastFoodNation offers a unique reference point on fast food, our health and the alternatives
This website provides free resources to teach about healthy eating, cooking, food and farming from 3 to 16 years
The Economist: Economist debates, food policy
A debate as to whether the government should play a stronger role in guiding food and nutrition choices
The Guardian: Food and health - who has the guts to take on junk fare?
An article in The Guardian detailing how the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) educates consumers about what they're eating and curb some of the food industry's excesses
