Exercise 1
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence about food, diet and nutrition.
Example: A diet that is high in saturated _____ can increase the risk of heart disease. (fats / sugars / fibres)
Answer: A diet that is high in saturated fats can increase the risk of heart disease.
Food, Diet and Nutrition: Upper-Intermediate Vocabulary
Whether you are reading a nutrition label on a supermarket shelf, discussing the latest dietary trends with a friend, or debating the ethics of food production, a rich and precise vocabulary is essential. At B2 level, you move beyond simply naming foods and begin talking about why we eat what we eat, how food affects our bodies, and the complex choices people make around diet. This lesson will equip you with the nuanced language you need to discuss food, diet, and nutrition confidently in both formal and informal contexts.
Setting the Scene
Imagine two friends, Priya and Marcus, catching up over lunch at a health-conscious café. Priya has recently started seeing a nutritionist and has been rethinking her entire approach to eating. Marcus, a keen amateur cook, is curious about the changes she is making. Their conversation touches on everything from macronutrients and caloric intake to sustainable food choices and processed foods. As you work through this lesson, keep their conversation in mind — the vocabulary below is exactly what they would use.
Key Vocabulary & Meaning Breakdown
1. Nutrition, Nutrients and What Food Contains
This cluster focuses on the scientific and technical language used to describe what food is made of and how it sustains the body. These words are common in formal writing, health journalism, and everyday conversations about healthy eating.
| Word / Phrase | Part of Speech & Meaning | Example Sentence | Collocations / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| nutrient | noun — a substance in food that the body needs to function, grow, and remain healthy | Spinach is rich in essential nutrients, including iron and vitamin K. | essential nutrient; absorb nutrients; nutrient-rich; nutrient deficiency |
| macronutrient | noun — one of the three main nutrient groups the body requires in large amounts: protein, carbohydrates, and fat | Athletes often track their macronutrient intake carefully to optimise performance. | balance macronutrients; macronutrient ratio; often shortened informally to macros |
| micronutrient | noun — vitamins and minerals needed by the body in small but vital amounts | A diet lacking in micronutrients can lead to serious health problems over time. | micronutrient deficiency; micronutrient-dense food |
| calorie | noun — a unit used to measure the energy value of food | She was not counting calories obsessively, but she was more mindful of portion sizes. | calorie intake; calorie deficit; high-calorie; low-calorie; burn calories |
| dietary fibre | noun phrase — plant-based material in food that cannot be fully digested, which aids digestion and gut health | Wholegrain bread is an excellent source of dietary fibre. | source of dietary fibre; increase fibre intake; also written as fiber in American English |
| antioxidant | noun — a substance that protects the body's cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals | Blueberries are frequently cited as one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. | rich in antioxidants; antioxidant properties; antioxidant-rich diet |
| saturated fat | noun phrase — a type of fat, found mainly in animal products, that can raise cholesterol levels when consumed in excess | The health guidelines recommend limiting your intake of saturated fat to reduce the risk of heart disease. | high in saturated fat; reduce saturated fat; saturated fat vs unsaturated fat |
| refined | adjective — (of food) processed to remove natural elements, often leaving it with less nutritional value | Refined sugar provides energy but offers virtually no nutritional benefit. | refined sugar; refined carbohydrates; refined flour; opposite: unrefined / whole |
| wholesome | adjective — (of food) natural, healthy, and nutritious; conducive to good health | The café prides itself on serving wholesome meals made from locally sourced ingredients. | wholesome meal; wholesome ingredients; wholesome diet; slightly formal/literary tone |
| fortified | adjective — (of food or drink) with extra vitamins or minerals added during processing | Many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D and iron to address common deficiencies. | fortified with; fortified milk; fortified cereal |
2. Diet, Eating Habits and Approaches to Food
This cluster covers the language we use to describe how and what people choose to eat, including specific diets, attitudes towards food, and broader eating patterns. These words are common in both informal conversation and more formal health-related writing.
| Word / Phrase | Part of Speech & Meaning | Example Sentence | Collocations / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| dietary | adjective — relating to a person's diet or the food they eat regularly | The doctor asked about any dietary restrictions before recommending a nutrition plan. | dietary habits; dietary requirements; dietary guidelines; dietary restriction |
| plant-based | adjective — consisting mostly or entirely of food derived from plants, rather than animals | More people are switching to a plant-based diet for both health and environmental reasons. | plant-based diet; plant-based meal; plant-based alternatives |
| omnivore | noun — a person or animal that eats both plant and animal food | As an omnivore, he saw no reason to cut out meat entirely, but he did try to eat more vegetables. | omnivorous diet; confirmed omnivore; contrast with herbivore and carnivore |
| portion size | noun phrase — the amount of food served or eaten at one time | One of the simplest ways to manage weight is to pay closer attention to portion sizes. | control portion size; appropriate portion size; oversized portions |
| intermittent fasting | noun phrase — an eating pattern in which a person cycles between periods of eating and periods of not eating | Intermittent fasting has become popular, though nutritionists caution that it is not suitable for everyone. | practise intermittent fasting; intermittent fasting regime; 16:8 method |
| detox | noun / verb — a period during which a person abstains from or greatly reduces certain foods or drinks, often claimed to remove toxins from the body | She decided to do a short detox after the holiday season, cutting out alcohol and sugar for two weeks. | do a detox; detox diet; juice detox; Note: many nutritionists are sceptical of detox claims |
| intolerance | noun — a difficulty digesting certain foods, causing discomfort but usually not an immune reaction (unlike an allergy) | His lactose intolerance means he avoids dairy products and opts for plant-based alternatives instead. | food intolerance; lactose intolerance; gluten intolerance; develop an intolerance |
| craving | noun — a powerful desire for a particular food or drink | She often experienced intense cravings for salty snacks in the afternoon. | have a craving; sugar craving; satisfy a craving; resist a craving |
| binge | verb / noun — to eat a very large amount of food in a short period, usually in an uncontrolled way | After weeks of strict dieting, he found himself bingeing on junk food at the weekend. | binge on; binge eating; binge-eating disorder; go on a binge |
| moderation | noun — the practice of avoiding excess; consuming food or drink in reasonable, controlled amounts | "Everything in moderation" is perhaps the most commonly given piece of dietary advice. | in moderation; practise moderation; eat in moderation |
3. Food Quality, Processing and Sustainability
This final cluster addresses the broader social, environmental, and ethical dimensions of food. At B2 level, you should be able to discuss these ideas critically, using the vocabulary below in essays, discussions, and formal presentations.
| Word / Phrase | Part of Speech & Meaning | Example Sentence | Collocations / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| processed food | noun phrase — food that has been altered from its natural state through methods such as canning, freezing, or the addition of chemicals | Nutritionists generally advise minimising the consumption of highly processed foods. | highly processed; ultra-processed food; processed vs whole food; avoid processed food |
| additive | noun — a substance added to food to improve flavour, appearance, or shelf life | She preferred to buy products with few additives and a short list of recognisable ingredients. | food additive; artificial additive; contain additives; chemical additive |
| organic | adjective — produced without the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms | The demand for organic produce has grown steadily as consumers become more health-conscious. | organic farming; organic produce; certified organic; go organic |
| sustainable | adjective — (of food production or consumption) able to be maintained long-term without causing lasting environmental damage | Choosing sustainable seafood means checking that it has been responsibly sourced. | sustainable diet; sustainable farming; sustainably sourced; sustainable food system |
| food security | noun phrase — the condition in which all people have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food | Climate change poses a significant threat to global food security in the coming decades. | global food security; food security crisis; ensure food security; food insecurity |
| food waste | noun phrase — food that is discarded or lost at any point in the supply chain, from production to consumption | It is estimated that roughly one-third of all food produced globally is lost to food waste. | reduce food waste; food waste crisis; tackle food waste; household food waste |
| nutritional value | noun phrase — the extent to which a food provides beneficial nutrients to the body | Overcooking vegetables can significantly reduce their nutritional value. | high/low nutritional value; nutritional value of; assess nutritional value |
| preservative | noun — a natural or artificial substance added to food to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life | The product was marketed as containing no artificial preservatives or colourings. | artificial preservative; contain preservatives; free from preservatives; food preservative |
| genetically modified (GM) | adjective — (of food or crops) having had their DNA altered through biotechnology to achieve desired characteristics | The debate over genetically modified crops remains highly contentious in many parts of the world. | GM food; GM crops; genetically modified organism (GMO); ban GM food |
| carbon footprint | noun phrase — the total amount of greenhouse gases produced as a result of a particular activity, including food production and consumption | Reducing meat consumption is one of the most effective ways to lower your carbon footprint. | reduce your carbon footprint; high carbon footprint; food carbon footprint |
Collocations & Useful Expressions
Strong collocations are the mark of a fluent, natural speaker. Below are key collocations and expressions from the world of food, diet, and nutrition, arranged by their central word or theme.
Collocations with diet
follow a diet
She has been following a Mediterranean diet for the past year and says she feels much better.
adopt a diet
Many people adopt a plant-based diet for environmental reasons rather than health concerns.
a balanced diet
Doctors consistently recommend eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups.
a restricted diet
After the diagnosis, he was placed on a restricted diet by his specialist.
a faddy / fad diet
Most nutritionists warn against fad diets that promise dramatic weight loss in a short time.
Collocations with eat
eat in moderation
Red meat can be part of a healthy lifestyle if you eat it in moderation.
eat mindfully
She learnt to eat mindfully, paying attention to hunger signals rather than eating out of habit.
eat a varied diet
The key to good nutrition is to eat a varied diet rather than relying on the same foods every day.
eat clean
He started eating clean after watching a documentary about the food industry.
Note: "Eating clean" is an informal expression meaning avoiding processed foods in favour of whole, natural foods.
Collocations with nutrition
nutritional advice
Before making any significant changes to her diet, she sought professional nutritional advice.
nutritional content
She always checks the nutritional content on the label before buying a product.
poor nutrition
Poor nutrition in childhood can have long-lasting effects on cognitive development.
Useful Fixed Expressions
you are what you eat
The old saying "you are what you eat" has more scientific backing now than ever before.
Note: A common proverb suggesting that food choices directly affect your health and wellbeing.
on an empty stomach
She was advised not to take the supplement on an empty stomach.
go off food
When he was ill, he went completely off food for several days.
Note: Informal British expression meaning to lose your appetite or desire to eat.
have a sweet tooth
She has always had a sweet tooth, which makes cutting out sugar particularly difficult.
keep track of (intake)
Using a nutrition app made it easier for him to keep track of his daily calorie intake.
Important Differences & Confusing Words
Diet vs Nutrition vs Nourishment
These three words are closely related but not interchangeable:
- Diet refers to the food and drink a person habitually consumes. It can also refer to a specific eating plan followed for health or weight-management purposes.
She is on a low-carbohydrate diet. / His diet consists mainly of rice, vegetables, and fish. - Nutrition refers to the process by which the body takes in and uses food, or to the scientific study of food and its effects on health. It is more technical and formal than diet.
The charity works to improve nutrition among children in low-income communities. - Nourishment refers to the food or sustenance needed to maintain life and promote growth. It has a slightly more literary or emotive tone, often emphasising basic needs.
The refugees had been without adequate nourishment for several days.
Intolerance vs Allergy
These terms are frequently confused, even by native speakers, yet they describe quite different medical conditions:
- Food intolerance involves difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, or nausea. It does not involve the immune system and is generally not life-threatening.
His lactose intolerance causes bloating if he drinks cow's milk. - Food allergy involves the immune system, which mistakes a harmless food protein for a threat and reacts accordingly. Reactions can range from mild (rash, itching) to severe and life-threatening (anaphylaxis).
Her peanut allergy is so severe that even trace amounts can trigger anaphylactic shock.
Organic vs Natural
- Organic is a regulated term with legal definitions. Food labelled as organic must meet specific production standards, including avoiding synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilisers.
The label confirms the produce is certified organic. - Natural is a much less regulated and often misleading marketing term. Food described as "natural" may still contain significant levels of processing, sugar, or other less desirable elements.
Just because a product is labelled "natural" does not mean it is healthy or additive-free.
Vegan vs Vegetarian vs Plant-Based
- Vegetarian — does not eat meat or fish, but typically consumes dairy products and eggs.
- Vegan — does not consume any animal products at all, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Veganism is often also a broader ethical lifestyle choice, not merely a dietary preference.
- Plant-based — focuses primarily on foods derived from plants, but the term is more flexible. A person following a plant-based diet may occasionally eat small amounts of animal products. This term is more commonly used in health contexts rather than ethical ones.
Common Mistakes
❌ She follows a very healthy nutrition.
✅ She follows a very healthy diet. — We say someone follows, has, or maintains a diet, not a nutrition. Nutrition refers to the science or process, not to what a specific person eats.
❌ I am doing a diet to lose weight.
✅ I am on a diet to lose weight. — The correct collocation in English is to be on a diet, not to do a diet.
❌ He has an intolerance to peanuts that could kill him.
✅ He has an allergy to peanuts that could kill him. — A life-threatening reaction is an allergy, not an intolerance. Intolerances cause discomfort, not anaphylaxis.
❌ Organic foods have no additives or preservatives.
✅ Organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilisers. — Organic certification relates to production methods, not to the absence of all additives. Some naturally derived additives are permitted in organic foods.
❌ I need to eat more calories because I want to lose weight.
✅ I need to consume fewer calories because I want to lose weight. — To lose weight, you generally need a calorie deficit (consuming fewer calories than you burn), not more. To gain weight or build muscle, you might increase calorie intake.
❌ Vitamins and proteins are both macronutrients.
✅ Proteins are macronutrients; vitamins are micronutrients. — Macronutrients are the three main energy-providing groups (protein, carbohydrates, fat). Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, needed in smaller quantities.
❌ She went on a detox and now her liver is completely clean.
✅ She went on a detox diet, though nutritionists point out that the liver and kidneys naturally filter toxins. — The idea that a "detox diet" literally cleanses the body is not supported by most mainstream nutrition science. Use this term with appropriate caution or critical distance.
Food, Diet and Nutrition: Quick Summary & Review
In this lesson, you have built a comprehensive set of vocabulary for discussing food, diet, and nutrition at an upper-intermediate level. Here is a quick overview of what you have covered:
- Nutrients and what food contains: nutrient, macronutrient, micronutrient, calorie, dietary fibre, antioxidant, saturated fat, refined, wholesome, fortified
- Diet, eating habits and approaches to food: dietary, plant-based, omnivore, portion size, intermittent fasting, detox, intolerance, craving, binge, moderation
- Food quality, processing and sustainability: processed food, additive, organic, sustainable, food security, food waste, nutritional value, preservative, genetically modified, carbon footprint
- Key collocations: follow a diet, eat in moderation, nutritional content, a balanced diet, eat clean, have a sweet tooth
- Important distinctions: diet vs nutrition vs nourishment; intolerance vs allergy; organic vs natural; vegan vs vegetarian vs plant-based
Remember that in formal writing and academic contexts, words like nutrition, dietary, and sustainability are preferred, while in everyday conversation, expressions like eat clean, go on a detox, or have a sweet tooth are much more natural. Being aware of register — the level of formality appropriate to a situation — is a key mark of B2 competence.
Now practise your Food, Diet and Nutrition vocabulary in the exercises below.
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