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Amino acid
The building blocks of protein.
Anorexia
A disease which leads to a loss of appetite.
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B |
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Bulimia
An eating disorder which is common among young women where they start binge eating. This is followed by feelings of guilt and depression. It is also often associated with forcing yourself to be sick.
Binge eating
Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time.
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Caffeine
A natural stimulant found in many common foods and drinks, including coffee, tea and chocolate. A stimulant is a chemical which can speed up your reactions.
Calories
Energy is usually measured in calories. Basically a calorie is a quantity of food capable of producing a certain amount of energy. It is measured in terms of heat. Also called kilocalorie or large calorie.
Carbohydrates
Also called "carb". Compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which are used by the body as a fuel source. The two main groups are sugars and starch.
Carbohydrate loading
This is when an athlete increases their carbohydrate intake. It is best to do this around three days before an event to boost your glycogen and energy levels.
Creatine
A supplement which is believed to help athletes to boost their performances.
Complete Proteins
The type of proteins which contain all the essential amino acids.
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Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Diet
To stick to certain eating rules
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Enzyme
Protein molecules which are responsible for a number of chemical reactions in the body
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Fat
One of the major food groups and an important part of the human diet. Fats come under a number of names - lipids and triglycerides are the most common. A high percentage of body fat is bad for you.
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G |
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Glucose
This is a simple sugar molecule which provides the basic fuel for the body.
Glycogen
The main form of carbohydrate energy which is stored within the muscles and the liver.
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H |
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Hyperglycemia
Increase in blood sugar.
Hormones
These control the biological process in our body. They are made from proteins, such as insulin for blood sugar control.
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I |
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Insulin
A hormone which responds to increased levels of blood glucose.
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J |
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Joule
A metric unit of energy.
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K |
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L |
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Lactic acid
A liquid which is produced in muscles as a result of anaerobic training. It slows down the body if it builds up too much.
Lean body mass
The mass of the body your fat.
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M |
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Metabolism
The chemical reactions that go on in our bodies which affect the way we deal with food and turn it into energy.
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N |
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Nutrients
The substances obtained from food and used in the body to provide energy.
Nutrition
The study of food and drink.
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O |
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Obesity
A disease which leads to a person having too high body fat.
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P |
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Protein
A nutrient which gives you energy found in foods such as meat.
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Q |
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R |
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RDA
Recommended daily allowance. The amount of food and proteins recommended to be eaten in one day.
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S |
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Saturated fat
Fatty acids that usually come from animal foods.
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T |
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Triglycerides
The scientific name for the common form of fat.
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U |
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Unsaturated fats
Fats which usually come from vegetable sources and fish.
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Vegetarian
People who leave meat, poultry, fish and other animal-derived foods out of their diets.
Vitamins
Essential nutrients for human beings. However, they are only required in small amounts.
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Water (H20)
A tasteless liquid which is essential to human life and the most widely used of all liquids, solvents.
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