4.9 Health and Diet

1️⃣ Health & Diet Collocations

Balanced diet — a diet that includes all necessary nutrients.
Example (Writing): “Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for long-term health.”
Healthy lifestyle — habits that promote good health.
Example (Speaking): “I try to follow a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating well.”
Fast food / Junk food — unhealthy, processed food.
Example (Writing): “The consumption of junk food is linked to obesity.”
Nutritional value — the health benefits of food items.
Example (Speaking): “I always check the nutritional value before buying packaged food.”
Calorie intake — the amount of calories consumed.
Example (Writing): “Reducing daily calorie intake can help with weight loss.”
Regular exercise — physical activity done consistently.
Example (Speaking): “Regular exercise helps prevent many health problems.”
Medical treatment — care given to cure or manage illness.
Example (Writing): “People in rural areas may not have easy access to medical treatment.”
Mental health — emotional and psychological well-being.
Example (Speaking): “Mental health is just as important as physical health.”
Healthcare system — the structure of medical services in a country.
Example (Writing): “A strong healthcare system is vital for public health.”
Chronic disease — a long-lasting illness (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
Example (Speaking): “My grandfather suffers from a chronic disease.”

An apple a day keeps the doctor away — eating healthy prevents illness.
Example: “My mother always says, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’”
Fit as a fiddle — very healthy and strong.
Example: “Even at 70, my uncle is fit as a fiddle.”
Under the weather — feeling sick.
Example: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.”
You are what you eat — your health reflects your diet.
Example: “Nutritionists often say, ‘You are what you eat.’”
Burn calories — use energy through exercise.
Example: “Jogging is a good way to burn calories.”

Cut down on (something) — reduce intake.
Example: “I’m trying to cut down on sugar.”
Work out — exercise.
Example: “I work out at the gym three times a week.”
Come down with (an illness) — get sick.
Example: “She came down with the flu last week.”
Fight off (an illness) — recover from sickness.
Example: “He fought off a cold before his exam.”
Put on weight — gain weight.
Example: “I put on weight during the holidays.”
Take up (a sport) — start doing a new sport or activity.
Example: “I’ve recently taken up yoga.”

Term	Meaning	Example Sentence
Malnutrition	Poor nutrition due to lack of food or imbalance.	“Malnutrition is common in underdeveloped regions.”
Obesity	Excessive body fat.	“Obesity is a growing problem in developed countries.”
Immune system	Body’s defense against illness.	“A strong immune system helps fight infections.”
Processed food	Food altered for convenience or taste.	“Processed food often contains unhealthy additives.”
Organic food	Food grown without chemicals.	“Organic food is believed to be healthier.”
Food poisoning	Illness from contaminated food.	“He suffered food poisoning after eating seafood.”
Sedentary lifestyle	Little physical activity.	“A sedentary lifestyle increases health risks.”
Public health	The health of the general population.	“Public health campaigns encourage exercise.”
Life expectancy	The average age people live to.	“Life expectancy has increased in recent decades.”
Dietary supplements	Vitamins or minerals taken in pill form.	“Many athletes take dietary supplements.”