Lesson 2: Processed Food
Eating processed food in moderation is okay.

I can talk about processed food.

INTRODUCE

In the 1950s, processed food such as ready-to-eat and frozen meals were considered miracles of modern technology, but today, most people realize that eating a lot of processed food is not very good for your health.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and answer the questions. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.

    1. If you do something in moderation, you do it in a moderate, not excessive, way.

     

    Andy was advised to eat fatty food in moderation to avoid high cholesterol.

     

    Q: What foods or drinks do you try to have in moderation?

     

     

    2. Additives are added to make foods and drinks taste better and last longer.

     

    Paula carefully reads labels to make sure what she buys doesn’t contain additives.

     

    Q: What are some foods or drinks that commonly contain additives?

     

     

    3.                                         .

     

    Shannon only eats dishes made with fresh, in-season local ingredients because she’s into clean eating.

     

    Q: What do you think clean eating means?

STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND

Sometimes you want to summarize what someone else said to make a point.

    This is my fifth cup of coffee today, but I still want more!

    In other words, you’re a coffee addict!

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Shingo, a Japanese guy living in Canada, is grocery shopping with his girlfriend, Ellen.

Ellen:

Shingo!

Shingo:

Hmm?

Ellen:

I only walked away for a few minutes! Where did all this processed food come from?

Shingo:

What do you mean?

Ellen:

You know exactly what I mean!

Shingo:

Okay, fine. I’ll put back this bag of cookies.

Ellen:

Just that? Don’t you know that these chips have a ton of additives too? And these noodles are full of MSG!

Shingo:

I do know that, but they’re really good! Besides, you didn’t have a problem with processed food before.

Ellen:

You know Andi, the vlogger I’ve been following, right? Well, she recently got into clean eating and you wouldn’t believe how much she’s changed! She lost a ton of weight and looks like a whole new person!

Shingo:

So now you’re going to do it too?

Ellen:

Well, yeah! I’ve decided to cut out processed food and signed up for a clean eating cooking class too. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I think it’ll really help if I have someone who can support me with it.

Shingo:

In other words, you want me to try clean eating too. Ellen, that’s impossible! You know I can’t let go of my hotdogs and pizza.

Ellen:

I’m sure you can! We just need to support each other. Let’s put back all of this junk.

Shingo:

What? No! I mean, it’s not like I eat this stuff every day. I think eating processed food in moderation is okay.

Ellen:

(points at cart) This isn’t moderation!

TRIVIA

Although monosodium glutamate or MSG is popularly used in Asia, it has been criticized by the press in North America as an unhealthy chemical additive. Dislike for MSG in the US and Canada is so strong that many Chinese restaurants have “NO MSG USED” signs posted in their windows to attract customers to dine there.

PRACTICE

Are the underlined expressions used correctly? If not, change the sentences.

1. Apples and oranges are full of additives.

2. Be careful not to eat fast food in moderation.

3. I got into clean eating because I wanted to be healthier.

4. My friends eat tons of processed foods because they’re worried about additives.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your friend has been feeling unhealthy recently. Give him/her some advice.

Today's Expressions

  • in moderation
  • additives
  • clean eating

Speak Your Mind

  • In other words, …

Challenge 2

What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.

If Time
Allows
1

PROCESSED FOOD
2

CLEAN EATING
1

PROCESSED FOOD

  1. Can you live without processed food?
  2. Why do you think some people prefer processed food over fresh food?
  3. Do you think all processed food is unhealthy?

2CLEAN EATING

  1. Is it easy to practice clean eating in your country?
  2. Why do you think some people get really into clean eating?
  3. Do you think everyone who practices clean eating is healthy?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about processed food.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK