3.Food Groups and a Balanced Diet 1

How do you know which nutrients are in food? 2

You can also use the food guide pyramid 3 It shows the food groups and suggests a daily number of servings from each group

To read the pyramid, start at the bottom 4 The large group on the bottom is the Cereals, Breads & Potatoes Group

5 Vocabulary: Cereals, Breads & Potatoes Group The largest food group in the food pyramid with more than 6 servings needed daily

Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta are in the cereal, bread & potato group 6 These foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates Click Potatoes

These foods give you energy 7 A minimum of six servings a day are suggested

The next level up is the Fruit & Vegetable Group 8

9 Vocabulary: Fruit & Vegetable Group The second largest food group in the food pyramid with more than 4 servings needed daily

These foods keep body cells healthy 10 These foods are better for you when they are eaten uncooked!

The next level up is the Milk, Cheese & Yogart Group 11

12 Vocabulary: Milk, Cheese & Yogart Group The middle group in the food pyramid with 3 servings needed daily

We need dairy products because calcium helps make strong teeth and bones 13 Remember: Ice Cream is in the dairy group!

The next level up is the Meat, Fish & Alternatives Group 14

15 Vocabulary: Meat, Fish & Alternatives Group The food group toward the top of the food pyramid with 2 servings needed daily

Alternatives to meat and fish include beans, peas, nuts & seeds 16 Vary your choices and methods of cooking Bake It! Broil It! Grill It!

The next level up is the Others Group 17

18 Vocabulary: Others Group The smallest food group in the food pyramid and should be eaten sparingly (means don’t eat much)

Foods in the “other group” include mayonnaise, salad dressings, oils, butter & margarines 19 Oils are a good source of Vitamin E which helps keep your skin healthy

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