In our Year 9 and 10 Science classes, we have been learning about multiple types of energy, this includes chemical potential energy stored in food. Most recently, we measured the energy content in a single corn chip and were surprised by how much energy it contained! However, despite its high energy content, corn chips have poor nutritional value.

As teenagers, it’s important to remember that our bodies need more than just energy, we need a balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients to grow and stay healthy. Many common foods are high in energy but low in nutrition. Examples include:

• Potato chips and corn chips

• White bread

• Candies and chocolate bars

• Sugary drinks like soda

• Fast food like burgers and fries

• Processed meats such as sausages and pepperoni

• Cakes, cookies, and other desserts

To stay healthy, we should try to replace these with better options, such as:

• Baked or sweet potatoes instead of chips

• Whole-grain bread instead of white bread

• Fresh fruit or homemade trail mix instead of candy

• Water or milk instead of sugary drinks

• Grilled chicken or fish instead of processed meats

• Yogurt with fruit or nuts instead of cakes and cookies

We have also created posters to raise awareness about healthy eating, encouraging everyone to make smart food choices. By choosing nutritious foods, we get the right kind of energy to help our bodies grow, develop, and stay strong.

Remember, not all energy is equal, healthy eating fuels creates a healthier future!

Anashae Logie