Healthy Eating vs. Fast Food

Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Lesson 18

Healthy Eating vs. Fast Food

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher

noun

Nutrition

Similar:

similarvocab1.1

similarvocab1.2

similarvocab1.3

similarvocab1.4

/nuːˈtrɪʃən/

Meaning:

The process of getting the right food for health

Good nutrition is important for a strong immune system.

Real Life Tip:

Healthy eating and nutrition are common topics in U.S. culture.

noun phrase

Balanced diet

Similar:

similarvocab2.1

similarvocab2.2

similarvocab2.3

similarvocab2.4

/ˈbælənst daɪət/

Meaning:

Eating a variety of foods in the right proportions

A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

Real Life Tip:

Nutritionists and health professionals often emphasize balanced diets.

Cut down on

phrasal verb

Similar:

similarvocab3.1

similarvocab3.2

similarvocab3.3

similarvocab3.4

/kʌt daʊn ɑn/

Meaning:

Reduce the amount of something

I try to cut down on sugar.

Real Life Tip:

Commonly used in discussions about health and lifestyle changes.

Fill up on

phrasal verb

Similar:

similarvocab4.1

similarvocab4.2

similarvocab4.3

similarvocab4.4

/fɪl ʌp ɑn/

Meaning:

Eat enough of something to feel full

I fill up on vegetables before the main meal.

Real Life Tip:

Often used in conversations about healthy eating habits.

Exercise 2

Conversation

Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.

00:00 / 01:04

Situation: Two friends discussing healthy eating versus fast food.

Hi, Alex! Do you eat fast food often?

Emma

Hi, Emma! Not really. I try to eat a balanced diet.

Alex

That’s smart. I sometimes eat fast food when I’m busy.

Emma

Yeah, I understand. Fast food is quick but not very nutritious.

Alex

True. I try to cut down on fried foods and sugary drinks.

Emma

Me too. I usually fill up on fruits and vegetables first.

Alex

What’s your favorite healthy meal?

Emma

I love grilled chicken with salad and brown rice.

Alex

Exercise 2.1

Questions.

1. Does Alex eat fast food often?

2. How does Emma try to eat healthier?

3. What is Alex’s favourite healthy meal?

Exercise 3

Practice Time

Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.

1. fast food / sometimes / Emma / eats

a) Sometimes Emma eats fast food
b) Emma sometimes eats fast food
c) Emma eats sometimes fast food

2. balanced diet / Alex / try / to / eat

a) Alex tries to eat a balanced diet
b) Alex to eat tries balanced diet
c) Alex eat tries balanced diet

3. cut down on / sugary drinks / I / try

a) I try to cut down on sugary drinks
b) Sugary drinks I try to cut down on
c) Try I cut down on sugary drinks

4. grilled chicken / salad / Alex / with / loves / rice

a) Alex loves grilled chicken with salad and rice
b) Grilled chicken with salad and rice Alex loves
c) Alex grilled chicken loves with salad and rice

5. fill up on / vegetables / usually / I

a) I usually fill up on vegetables
b) Usually I fill up on vegetables
c) I fill up usually on vegetables

Exercise 4

Ask Your Tutor

Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn

1. Do you prefer fast food or home-cooked meals? Why?

2. How do you try to maintain a balanced diet?

3. Have you ever changed your eating habits for health reasons?

Exercise 5

Discussion

Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.

1. What is your favorite healthy meal?

2. Which fast foods do you like the most?

3. Do you think fast food is more convenient than cooking at home?

4. How often do you eat fast food?

5. What are the advantages of healthy eating?

6. Have you ever tried a diet plan? How did it go?

7. Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?

8. What are the most popular fast foods in your country?

9. How do fruits and vegetables help your health?

10. Would you recommend someone to reduce fast food? Why or why not?