1. the
FOOD
Pyramid
Eating Right Every Day

2. Eating Right Every Day
Briefly describe the point of this lesson, which is that the class will be learning about the relationship between good nutrition and health.

3. The Food Pyramid Fats, Oils & Sweets USE SPARINGLY
Milk, Yogurt & Cheese Group 2-3 SERVINGS
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs & Nuts Group 2-3 SERVINGS
Vegetable Group 3-5 SERVINGS
Fruit Group 2-4 SERVINGS
Bread, Cereal, Rice & Pasta Group 6-11 SERVINGS

4. Fruit List a few examples of fruits that are plentiful in your area.
Discuss how many servings a day children should eat 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.

5. Vegetables
List a few examples of vegetables that are plentiful in your area.
Discuss how many servings a day children should eat and when they might have them.
Together, research and discuss the health benefits of vegetables.
Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

6. Meats, Beans, and Nuts
List a few examples of meats, beans, and nuts that are plentiful in your area.
Discuss how many servings a day children should eat and when they might have them.
Together, research and discuss the health benefits of meat, beans, and nuts.
Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

7. Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese
List a few examples of dairy products that are plentiful in your area.
Discuss how many servings a day children should eat and when they might have them.
Together, research and discuss the health benefits of dairy products.
Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

8. Bread and Pasta Group
List a few examples of bread and pasta products that are plentiful in your area.
Discuss how many servings a day children should eat and when they might have them.
Together, research and discuss the health benefits of bread and pasta.
Encourage children to list foods that they like from this food group.

9. Fats, Oils, and Sweets List examples of fats, oils, and sweets.
Discuss how many daily servings at most children should eat.
Together, research and discuss the risks associated with eating too much fat and too many sweets.
Solicit class feedback on this food group.

10. Snacks List a few examples of snacks.
Discuss how many snacks a day children should eat.
Solicit class feedback on healthy snacks.

11. Eat Well and Stay Healthy!
Encourage children to keep a daily food diary for a week, and to eat their favorite foods in each group to meet the daily requirements.
Discuss their findings at the end of the week.
How might each child eat more healthfully?

12. 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.
Ask your school nurse or doctor to visit the class to share facts about food and health on an ongoing basis.