Матеріал до уроку «Energy Bars»
Energy Bars
A. Sports nutrition is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Around the globe, millions of athletes and exercise enthusiasts buy special food products that claim to offer something that regular foods don't. One such product is energy bars. First produced in the USA in the 1960s, today, energy bars have an international appeal. A variety of energy bars are available for a variety of exercise needs, from gym workouts to long-distance running. There are even energy bars that are recommended by sports stars and they all boast about their ability to significantly enhance athletic performance. But are energy bars any more effective in providing energy than natural foods?
B. To put it bluntly - they aren't. In terms of food nutrition, an 'energy food' is simply any food that provides calories. Calories are substances found in food that act like fuel for our bodies, giving us the energy we need to do our daily tasks. So, the more calories you consume, the more energy you will have. True, energy bars contain a high amount of calories and therefore will give you a good supply of energy, but so too will many other natural foods. For instance, eating a 200-calorie energy bar will provide you with the same amount of energy as eating a 200-calorie salad. The energy boost you feel after eating an energy bar simply comes from the calories it contained - nothing more, nothing less.
C. But while energy bars may be no better at improving athletic performance than any other high-calorie food, they are often far worse for the health. This is due to the fact that more often than not, they are packed with sugar. Indeed, it could be said that many energy bars are no more than overpriced sweets. It seems that, according to market research, consumers don't just buy energy bars for their athletic benefits, but also for their taste. These days, human tastebuds love nothing more than sugar and so energy bar producers happily oblige. Unfortunately though, consuming sugary foods does athletes no favours and can add to the risk of health problems such as diabetes and heart disease in later life.
D. So, considering their downside, why are energy bars so well-liked? Firstly, we shouldn't underestimate the power of marketing. Many TV ads make it seem that no race can be won or no exercise session completed without consuming an energy bar! Also, food companies know that today's consumers want convenience at any cost. With no mess, no preparation, no refrigeration and a long shelf life - energy bars are perfect for the modem consumer. In a way, this is their 'magic'; they are nothing more than a convenient way to consume calories on the go.
E. So, what's the alternative? Well, preferably, natural foods are the best way to meet your calorie needs. Have you ever noticed that many tennis players eat bananas between games? That's because they, along with many I other fruits, are huge in fast-acting energy content as well I as potassium which helps prevent muscle cramps. Another good source of energy for athletes is honey which affects I your blood sugar levels extremely quickly. Generally, the message is that there are a host of healthier and cheaper alternatives to energy bars. So don’t waste your money on these shrewdly marketed products. Your body and your wallet will be much better off without them!
Collocations & Topical Word Combinations
- sports nutrition [spɔːrts nuˈtrɪʃn] – спортивне харчування
- fastest-growing industry [ˈfæstɪst ˈɡroʊɪŋ ˈɪndəstri] – найшвидше зростаюча індустрія
- exercise enthusiast [ˈeksərsaɪz ɪnˈθjuːziæst] – прихильник фізичних вправ
- special food products [ˈspeʃl fuːd ˈprɒdʌkts] – спеціальні харчові продукти
- athletic performance [æθˈletɪk pərˈfɔːrməns] – спортивна продуктивність
- enhance performance [ɪnˈhæns pərˈfɔːrməns] – покращувати продуктивність
- food nutrition [fuːd nuːˈtrɪʃn] – харчова цінність
- natural foods [ˈnætʃrəl fuːdz] – натуральні продукти
- high-calorie food [haɪ ˈkæləri fuːd] – висококалорійна їжа
- energy boost [ˈenərdʒi buːst] – приплив енергії
- supply of energy [səˈplaɪ əv ˈenərdʒi] – запас енергії
- risk of health problems [rɪsk əv helθ ˈprɒbləmz] – ризик для здоров'я
- overpriced sweets [ˌoʊvərˈpraɪst swiːts] – завищеної вартості солодощі
- market research [ˈmɑːrkɪt rɪˈsɜːrtʃ] – маркетингове дослідження
- human tastebuds [ˈhjuːmən ˈteɪstbʌdz] – смакові рецептори людини
- sugary foods [ˈʃʊɡəri fuːdz] – продукти, багаті на цукор
- health problems such as diabetes [helθ ˈprɒbləmz sʌtʃ æz ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz] – проблеми зі здоров’ям, такі як діабет
- rely on energy bars [rɪˈlaɪ ɒn ˈenərdʒi bɑːrz] – покладатися на енергетичні батончики
- well-liked products [wel laɪkt ˈprɒdʌkts] – популярні продукти
- underestimate the power of marketing [ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt ðə ˈpaʊər əv ˈmɑːrkɪtɪŋ] – недооцінювати силу маркетингу
- long shelf life [lɔːŋ ʃelf laɪf] – довгий термін зберігання
- consume calories on the go [kənˈsjuːm ˈkæləriz ɒn ðə ɡoʊ] – споживати калорії на ходу
- fast-acting energy [fæst ˈæktɪŋ ˈenərdʒi] – швидкодіюча енергія
- prevent muscle cramps [prɪˈvent ˈmʌsl kræmps] – запобігати судомам м’язів
- cheaper alternatives [ˈtʃiːpər ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪvz] – дешевші альтернативи
Phrasal Verbs
- boast about sth [boʊst əˈbaʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ] – хвалитися чимось
- put it bluntly [pʊt ɪt ˈblʌntli] – говорити прямо
- add to the risk [æd tuː ðə rɪsk] – збільшувати ризик
- oblige with sth [əˈblaɪdʒ wɪð ˈsʌmθɪŋ] – задовольняти щось (потребу)
- rely on sth [rɪˈlaɪ ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ] – покладатися на щось
- waste money on sth [weɪst ˈmʌni ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ] – марнувати гроші на щось
Idioms & Fixed Phrases
- at any cost [æt ˈeni kɔːst] – будь-якою ціною
- on the go [ɒn ðə ɡoʊ] – на ходу
- no more than [noʊ mɔːr ðæn] – не більше ніж
- in later life [ɪn ˈleɪtər laɪf] – у майбутньому, в пізнішому віці
- do no favours [duː noʊ ˈfeɪvərz] – не приносити користі
- nothing more, nothing less [ˈnʌθɪŋ mɔːr, ˈnʌθɪŋ les] – ні більше, ні менше
- make it seem that... [meɪk ɪt siːm ðæt...] – створювати враження, що...
Other Useful Phrases
- provide calories [prəˈvaɪd ˈkæləriz] – забезпечувати калорії
- act like fuel [ækt laɪk ˈfjuːəl] – діяти як паливо
- no refrigeration required [noʊ rɪˌfrɪdʒəˈreɪʃn rɪˈkwaɪərd] – не потребує охолодження
- affect blood sugar levels [əˈfekt blʌd ˈʃʊɡər ˈlevlz] – впливати на рівень цукру в крові
- more effective than... [mɔːr ɪˈfektɪv ðæn...] – ефективніший за...
- consuming sugary foods [kənˈsjuːmɪŋ ˈʃʊɡəri fuːdz] – споживання солодких продуктів
- be packed with sugar [biː pækt wɪð ˈʃʊɡər] – бути наповненим цукром
- significantly enhance sth [sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli ɪnˈhæns ˈsʌmθɪŋ] – значно покращувати щось
- recommended by sports stars [ˌrekəˈmendɪd baɪ spɔːrts stɑːrz] – рекомендовано спортивними зірками
- shrewdly marketed products [ʃruːdli ˈmɑːrkɪtɪd ˈprɒdʌkts] – хитро прорекламовані продукти
- the magic of convenience [ðə ˈmædʒɪk əv kənˈviːniəns] – магія зручності
- be much better off without sth [biː mʌtʃ ˈbetər ɒf wɪˈðaʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ] – бути значно кращим без чогось
Energy Bars (Unit 7 WB p 76)
Task_1 True or False
1. Energy bars were first produced in Europe.
2. Natural foods like honey can provide quick energy.
3. Energy bars are a much better source of energy than salads.
4. Many energy bars contain large amounts of sugar.
5. Athletes should rely only on energy bars for good performance.
Task_2 Complete the sentences using words from the text.
-
Energy bars were first produced in the USA in the __________.
2. __________ are substances in food that provide energy.
3. Many energy bars contain high amounts of __________, which can be bad for health.
4. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps prevent __________.
5. One natural alternative to energy bars that quickly raises blood sugar levels is __________.
Task_3 Rewrite the sentences without changing the meaning.
-
Energy bars contain a high amount of calories, so they provide energy.
→ ________________ because they ___________________________. -
Many energy bars are no better than overpriced sweets.
→ A large number of energy __________ ________ sweets. -
Athletes do not need energy bars to perform well.
→ Athletes ________ well without _________energy bars. -
Many consumers buy energy bars because they are convenient.
→ Many consumers ____________ to their convenience. -
Bananas help prevent muscle cramps because they contain potassium.
→ Bananas help to prevent muscle cramps _____________ content.
Task_4 Answer the questions.
- What industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world?
- When and where were energy bars first produced?
- Are energy bars more effective in providing energy than natural foods?
- Why do energy bars provide an energy boost?
- Why might energy bars be worse for health compared to natural foods?
- Why do energy bar producers add so much sugar to their products?
- How do energy bars compare to sweets?
- Why do modern consumers find energy bars appealing?
- What natural food is a quick source of energy for athletes?
- What is the main message of the text?
Task_5 Translate from Ukrainian to English
- Спортивне харчування допомагає покращувати спортивну продуктивність.
- Фітнес-індустрія – одна з найшвидше зростаючих індустрій у світі.
- Прихильники фізичних вправ часто вживають спеціальні харчові продукти для підтримки форми.
- Харчова цінність продуктів важлива для підтримання енергії протягом дня.
- Натуральні продукти корисніші за оброблені продукти.
- Вживання висококалорійної їжі може збільшити ризик проблем зі здоров’ям.
7. Енергетичний батончик може забезпечити швидкий приплив енергії.
8. Наш організм потребує запасу енергії для ефективного тренування.
9. Споживання занадто великої кількості солодких продуктів може призвести до проблем зі здоров’ям, таких як діабет.
10. Деякі люди покладаються на енергетичні батончики, але є дешевші альтернативи.
Task_6 Discussion Questions
- How do you think marketing influences people's decisions to buy energy bars despite their disadvantages?
- Have you ever bought an energy bar or a similar product? What influenced your decision, and would you reconsider after reading this text?
- Why do you think people continue to buy energy bars despite the availability of healthier alternatives?
- Do you think energy bars are equally popular in all countries? Why or why not?
- If people continue to consume high-sugar energy bars over many years, what could be the long-term health consequences?
Task_7 Debate
Divide into two groups:
- Group A: Argue in favor of energy bars, explaining their convenience and benefits.
- Group B: Argue against energy bars, focusing on their disadvantages and healthier alternatives.
Keys
Task_1 True or False – Key & Evidence from the Text
-
Energy bars were first produced in Europe. (F)
Proof: "First produced in the USA in the 1960s, today, energy bars have an international appeal." -
Natural foods like honey can provide quick energy. (T)
Proof: "Another good source of energy for athletes is honey, which affects your blood sugar levels extremely quickly." -
Energy bars are a much better source of energy than salads. (F)
Proof: "For instance, eating a 200-calorie energy bar will provide you with the same amount of energy as eating a 200-calorie salad." -
Many energy bars contain large amounts of sugar. (T)
Proof: "More often than not, they are packed with sugar. Indeed, it could be said that many energy bars are no more than overpriced sweets." -
Athletes should rely only on energy bars for good performance. (F)
Proof: "Generally, the message is that there are a host of healthier and cheaper alternatives to energy bars."
Task_2 Complete the sentences using words from the text.
-
Energy bars were first produced in the USA in the __________.
Key: 1960s -
__________ are substances in food that provide energy.
Key: calories -
Many energy bars contain high amounts of __________, which can be bad for health.
Key: sugar -
Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps prevent __________.
Key: Muscle cramps -
One natural alternative to energy bars that quickly raises blood sugar levels is __________.
Key: honey
Task_3 Rewrite the sentences without changing the meaning.
-
Energy bars contain a high amount of calories, so they provide energy.
→ Energy bars provide energy because they contain a high amount of calories. -
Many energy bars are no better than overpriced sweets.
→ A large number of energy bars are no different from costly sweets. -
Athletes do not need energy bars to perform well.
→ Athletes can perform well without consuming energy bars. -
Many consumers buy energy bars because they are convenient.
→ Many consumers purchase energy bars due to their convenience. -
Bananas help prevent muscle cramps because they contain potassium.
→ Bananas help to prevent muscle cramps due to their potassium content.
Task_4 Here are 15 questions based on the text, along with their answers:
1. What industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world?
The sports nutrition industry.
2. When and where were energy bars first produced?
They were first produced in the USA in the 1960s.
3. Are energy bars more effective in providing energy than natural foods?
No, they provide the same amount of energy as any other high-calorie food.
4. Why do energy bars provide an energy boost?
Because they contain calories, just like any other food.
5. Why might energy bars be worse for health compared to natural foods?
Many energy bars are packed with sugar, which can contribute to health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
6. Why do energy bar producers add so much sugar to their products?
Because consumers enjoy sweet tastes, and sugary products sell well.
7. How do energy bars compare to sweets?
Many energy bars are essentially overpriced sweets due to their high sugar content.
8. Why do modern consumers find energy bars appealing?
Because they are convenient—requiring no preparation, no refrigeration, and having a long shelf life.
9. What natural food is a quick source of energy for athletes?
Honey, as it affects blood sugar levels very quickly.
10. What is the main message of the text?
Energy bars are heavily marketed but unnecessary, as natural foods provide the same or better benefits in a healthier way.
Task_5 Translate from Ukrainian to English
- Спортивне харчування допомагає покращувати спортивну продуктивність.
Sports nutrition helps enhance athletic performance.
- Фітнес-індустрія – одна з найшвидше зростаючих індустрій у світі.
The fitness industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
- Прихильники фізичних вправ часто вживають спеціальні харчові продукти для підтримки форми.
Exercise enthusiasts often consume special food products to stay in shape.
- Харчова цінність продуктів важлива для підтримання енергії протягом дня.
Food nutrition is important for maintaining energy throughout the day.
- Натуральні продукти корисніші за оброблені продукти.
Natural foods are healthier than processed foods.
- Вживання висококалорійної їжі може збільшити ризик проблем зі здоров’ям.
Eating high-calorie food can add to the risk of health problems.
7. Енергетичний батончик може забезпечити швидкий приплив енергії.
An energy bar can provide a fast-acting energy boost.
8. Наш організм потребує запасу енергії для ефективного тренування.
Our body needs a supply of energy for an effective workout.
9. Споживання занадто великої кількості солодких продуктів може призвести до проблем зі здоров’ям, таких як діабет.
Consuming too many sugary foods can lead to health problems such as diabetes.
10. Деякі люди покладаються на енергетичні батончики, але є дешевші альтернативи.
Some people rely on energy bars, but there are cheaper alternatives.
Task_6 Discussion Questions
-
How do you think marketing influences people's decisions to buy energy bars despite their disadvantages?
Possible Answer: Marketing makes people think energy bars help them perform better. It also shows that they are easy to eat, which attracts busy consumers. -
Have you ever bought an energy bar or a similar product? What influenced your decision, and would you reconsider after reading this text?
Possible Answer: Answers will vary, but students might mention factors like convenience, advertising, or lack of knowledge about healthier alternatives. -
Why do you think people continue to buy energy bars despite the availability of healthier alternatives?
Possible Answer: Social trends, busy lifestyles, and heavy marketing influence people's choices. Many consumers trust what they see in advertisements without researching nutritional facts. -
Do you think energy bars are equally popular in all countries? Why or why not?
Possible Answer: No, because different cultures have different eating habits. In some countries, traditional snacks or natural foods may already serve the same purpose, making energy bars less popular. -
If people continue to consume high-sugar energy bars over many years, what could be the long-term health consequences?
Possible Answer: Over time, excessive sugar intake could lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. It may also affect eating habits, making people more dependent on processed foods.
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