Food and diet
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Food and diet
"Food and diet" is an important IELTS topic that appears frequently in Speaking and Writing tasks. Whether discussing healthy eating habits, obesity, food preferences, or global food trends, having a robust set of vocabulary is key to scoring well. This collection offers a variety of terms - from everyday expressions to more sophisticated academic terms - all tailored to IELTS-level responses.
Here are some useful vocabulary items related to food and diet. They are grouped in terms of increasing complexity and are highly suitable for both formal writing and natural speaking responses.
1. Balanced diet: [Meaning: A diet that includes all essential nutrients in the right proportions]
Example 1: Children should be taught the importance of eating a balanced diet from a young age.
Example 2: A balanced diet improves not just physical health, but mental clarity as well.
2. Processed food: [Meaning: Food that has been altered from its natural state, often for convenience]
Example 1: Excessive consumption of processed foods has been linked to numerous health problems.
Example 2: Supermarkets are flooded with processed food options that are high in salt and sugar.
3. Calorie intake: [Meaning: The total number of calories consumed in a day]
Example 1: Reducing your daily calorie intake can help with sustainable weight loss.
Example 2: Athletes often have higher calorie intakes due to their physical demands.
4. Junk food: [Meaning: Food that is high in fat, sugar, and calories, with little nutritional value]
Example 1: Many children develop unhealthy eating habits due to regular consumption of junk food.
Example 2: Schools should discourage the sale of junk food in cafeterias.
5. Organic produce: [Meaning: Food grown without synthetic chemicals or pesticides]
Example 1: Some people believe that organic produce is healthier and safer.
Example 2: Despite its benefits, organic food is often more expensive.
6. Nutritional value: [Meaning: The amount of nutrients in food that contribute to health]
Example 1: Leafy greens are praised for their high nutritional value.
Example 2: Processed snacks usually lack nutritional value despite their popularity.
7. Obesity: [Meaning: The condition of being excessively overweight]
Example 1: Rising obesity rates are putting pressure on public health systems.
Example 2: Obesity is often the result of poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.
8. Dietary fibre: [Meaning: Plant-based carbohydrates that help digestion]
Example 1: Beans and lentils are rich in dietary fibre.
Example 2: Lack of fibre in one’s diet can lead to digestive issues.
9. Malnutrition: [Meaning: A condition caused by lack of proper nutrition]
Example 1: In many developing countries, malnutrition remains a major health concern.
Example 2: Both overnutrition and undernutrition can result in malnutrition.
10. Food insecurity: [Meaning: Lack of consistent access to nutritious food]
Example 1: The pandemic intensified food insecurity for millions across the globe.
Example 2: Addressing food insecurity is key to achieving sustainable development.
11. Micronutrients: [Meaning: Vitamins and minerals required in small amounts]
Example 1: Deficiency in micronutrients like Vitamin D can impair immune function.
Example 2: Fortified foods help populations receive essential micronutrients.
12. Glycaemic index: [Meaning: A system that ranks foods by how they affect blood sugar levels]
Example 1: Foods with a low glycaemic index release energy more gradually.
Example 2: Diabetics are advised to monitor the glycaemic index of their meals.
13. Culinary traditions: [Meaning: Long-established cooking styles or food customs]
Example 1: Culinary traditions vary widely from one region to another.
Example 2: The Mediterranean diet is deeply rooted in culinary tradition.
14. Macronutrient balance: [Meaning: Proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the diet]
Example 1: Athletes often follow a strict macronutrient balance to optimise performance.
Example 2: Understanding macronutrient ratios helps maintain energy levels throughout the day.
15. Nutraceuticals: [Meaning: Food products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition]
Example 1: Green tea is often considered a nutraceutical for its antioxidant properties.
Example 2: The rise of nutraceuticals reflects a growing interest in functional foods.
16. Dietary intervention: [Meaning: Deliberate modification of a person’s diet for health purposes]
Example 1: A dietary intervention helped manage her Type 2 diabetes without medication.
Example 2: Public dietary interventions can combat childhood obesity effectively.
17. Satiety: [Meaning: The feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating]
Example 1: Foods rich in protein tend to increase satiety and reduce overall calorie intake.
Example 2: Fibre-rich meals promote satiety and aid in weight control.
18. Metabolic rate: [Meaning: The rate at which the body uses energy]
Example 1: Your metabolic rate can be influenced by genetics and physical activity.
Example 2: Spicy foods are said to temporarily increase one’s metabolism.
19. Dietary restriction: [Meaning: Limiting or avoiding specific types of food]
Example 1: Many people adopt dietary restrictions for religious or health reasons.
Example 2: Dietary restriction of sugar is crucial for individuals with insulin resistance.
20. Gastrointestinal health: [Meaning: The health of the digestive tract]
Example 1: Fermented foods are known to promote gastrointestinal health.
Example 2: Poor gut health has been linked to inflammation and chronic disease.
21. Functional foods: [Meaning: Foods with potential health benefits beyond nutrition]
Example 1: Probiotic yogurt is classified as a functional food.
Example 2: The demand for functional foods has surged in health-conscious markets.
22. Dietary epidemiology: [Meaning: The study of diet-related patterns in disease]
Example 1: Advances in dietary epidemiology have clarified links between red meat and cancer.
Example 2: Public health campaigns often rely on dietary epidemiology research.
23. Macronutrient periodisation: [Meaning: Adjusting intake of carbs, fats, and protein to optimise performance]
Example 1: Athletes employ macronutrient periodisation to align diet with training cycles.
Example 2: The concept of periodised nutrition is gaining traction in sports science.
24. Nutritional anthropology: [Meaning: The study of how culture influences diet]
Example 1: Nutritional anthropology explores how cultural norms shape eating behaviour.
Example 2: Researchers in nutritional anthropology examine dietary transitions in immigrant populations.
25. Dietary sustainability: [Meaning: Eating habits that consider environmental and health impact]
Example 1: Dietary sustainability is increasingly important in addressing climate change.
Example 2: A plant-based diet is often promoted for its sustainability.
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