Introductory Awareness of the Importance of Healthy Eating and Drinking for Adults

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 1
Unit No:
Y/502/9720
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Assessment Guidance

This unit needs to be assessed in line with the Skills for Care and Development Assessment Principles

Aim

The aim of this unit is to help learners understand what is meant by a balanced healthy diet. It also considers the importance of drinking water as part of healthy living.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the importance of healthy eating

Additional details

Learners should understand that a balanced diet consists of:

  • fruit and vegetables
  • bread, other cereals and potatoes
  • milk and other dairy products
  • fatty and sugary foods
  • meat, fish and alternatives

To be a balanced diet a person needs to have the right combination and quantity of foods from each of these categories. The 'eat well' plate is a valuable visual tool for learners.

If a diet is not balanced it may cause some of the following:

  • illnesses eg diabetes, heart disease, cancer related illnesses, iron deficiency
  • eating disorders
  • developmental delay
  • poor resistance to infections
  • dental decay

A healthy balanced diet can:

  • give the body the nutrients it needs to grow and develop
  • give energy
  • improve concentration
  • help fight infection
  • protect against long term illness

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Outline what is meant by a balanced diet.

  • 1.2

    Give examples of the effects on health if a diet is not balanced.

  • 1.3

    Give examples of ways that food can contribute to helping an individual to stay healthy.

  • 1.4

    Outline ways to inform individuals to eat a balanced diet.

2

Understand the importance of drinking enough to stay healthy.

Additional details

Learners should state the current daily fluid intake recommended to stay healthy. Learners need to understand that water is needed to remove body waste, aid digestion and prevent dehydration.

Drinking sufficient water:

  • ensures a healthy skin
  • helps the body fight infection
  • helps to prevents joint pain
  • helps to prevent constipation

Not drinking enough water can: 

  • allow the blood to become too thick resulting in the heart muscle having to work harder
  • cause confusion and the ability to think logically
  • result in illnesses such as stomach ulcers, kidney damage

Signs of insufficient water in the body include:

  • dizziness or light headedness
  • headache
  • feeling tired
  • dry mouth, lips and eyes

Learners can suggest a number of ways of helping individuals to drink more. These may include:

  • offering different types of drink (hot/cold; smoothie/water)
  • making drinks more easily accessible
  • introducing fluids through soups or ice pops, instead of as a drink
  • enticing through appealing to favourite flavours
  • ensuring individuals understand the importance of keeping hydrated/consequences of dehydration
                                                           

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    State the recommended daily fluid intake to stay healthy.

  • 2.2

    Outline how drinking enough can help to stay healthy.

  • 2.3

    Identify the effects to health of not drinking enough.

  • 2.4

    Give examples of signs of not drinking enough.

  • 2.5

    Outline ways to encourage individuals to drink enough to stay healthy.