1. Teaching Basics of Good Nutrition

2. Only 2% of children meet all the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid; 16% do not meet any
Less than 15% of school children eat the recommended servings of fruit
Less than 20% eat the recommended servings of vegetables
Nutrition Education

3. Approximately 25% eat the recommended servings of grains
Only 30% eat the recommended milk group servings
Only 19% of girls ages 9 to 19 meet the recommended calcium intake
Nutrition Education

4. Why Teach Nutrition? It is included in the Wellness Policy
Hungry children cannot perform well academically (Hanson et al., 2005)
USDA cites studies showing increased attention span and fewer behavior problems (USDA 2003)
Why Teach Nutrition?

5. Teaching the Basics What are the five food groups Grains Fruits
Vegetables
Protein
Dairy
Teaching the Basics

6. Teaching the Basics How to select healthy foods from every food group
Grains: 6 servings a day
Vegetables: 3 servings a day
Fruit: 2 servings a day
Protein: 2 servings a day
Dairy: 2 servings a day
Teaching the Basics

7. Teaching the Basics What foods are better choices from each group
Baked potato vs french fries
Fresh fruit vs fruit juice
Skim milk vs 2%
Chicken vs chicken nuggets/hot dogs
Teaching the Basics

8. Teaching the Basics How to choose an appropriate portion
Grain: ½ cup=computer mouse or 1 slice of bread
Vegetables: ½ cup=an ice cream scooper for most, leafy=size of a baseball
Fruit: ½ cup=size of a child’s fist
Protein: 2-3 oz: deck of cards, size of palm
Dairy: 1 cup milk=1 yogurt cup, sandwich slice of cheese
Teaching the Basics

9. Teaching the Basics The importance of balancing food with activity
Move at least 60 minutes a day
Teaching the Basics

10. Some foods need to be eaten less often, but are still okay!
Cakes, cookies, ice cream, meat pizza, fatty foods (hot dogs, nuggets) and meats, salt, sugary drinks
Teaching the Basics