the :the FOOD Pyramid Steps to a healthier you


Eating Right Every Day :Eating Right Every Day The new food guide pyramid is called “My Pyramid.” It allows for more flexibility based on your age, weight, and activity level. You can go to www.mypyramid.gov and the website will calculate how many calories you should be eating and how many servings of each food group you need. There are many other types of food guides as well… Vegetarian Food Guide Cultural Food Guide’s


The Food PyramidSteps to a healthier you :The Food PyramidSteps to a healthier you GRAINS VEGETABLES FRUITS OILS MILK MEAT & BEANS


GrainsMake half of your grains whole :GrainsMake half of your grains whole What are some of your favorite grains? How many servings should the average teen have each day? Grains provide B Vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin). B Vitamins are responsible for providing energy to the body. Fiber is also a nutrient that the grain group provides our bodies.


VegetablesVary your veggies :VegetablesVary your veggies What are some of your favorite vegetables? How many vegetables should the average teenager eat everyday? Together, research and discuss the health benefits of vegetables. Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.


FruitsFocus on fruits :FruitsFocus on fruits List a few examples of fruits that are plentiful in your area. Discuss how much children should eat every day and when they might have them. Together, research and discuss the health benefits of fruits. Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.


OilsKnow your fats :OilsKnow your fats List a few examples of oils and fats. Discuss how much children should eat daily and what foods contain oils and fats. Together, research and discuss the health benefits associated with the different kinds of oils and fats. Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.


MilkGet your calcium rich foods :MilkGet your calcium rich foods List a few examples of milk products. Discuss how much children should eat daily and when they might have them. Together, research and discuss the health benefits of milk products. Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.


Meat and BeansGo lean on protein :Meat and BeansGo lean on protein List a few examples of meat and bean products that are plentiful in your area. Discuss how much children should eat daily and when they might have them. Together, research and discuss the health benefits of meat and beans. Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.


Discretionary CaloriesExtras for luxury foods :Discretionary CaloriesExtras for luxury foods What are discretionary calories? Discuss how many discretionary calories children should eat every day. Solicit class feedback for examples of ways to use discretionary calories.


Physical ActivityStrive for 60 minutes or more per day :Physical ActivityStrive for 60 minutes or more per day What is physical activity? Discuss moderate vs. vigorous activity. Solicit class feedback for examples of moderate and vigorous activities.


Eat Well and Stay Healthy! :Eat Well and Stay Healthy! Encourage children to use the MyPyramid Worksheet, for a week, and to eat their favorite foods in each group to meet their daily requirements. Download the worksheet here: MyPyramid Worksheet. Discuss their findings at the end of the week. How might each child eat more healthfully?


Conclusion :Conclusion Summarize the health benefits of each food group. Encourage children to do research on any new finding about food and health. Encourage children to continue keeping a food diary. Encourage children to strive for 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. Ask your school nurse or doctor to visit the class to share facts about food and health on an ongoing basis.