I Am What I Eat
[30 Minutes]
The human body requires food to supply energy, to build and repair tissue, and to keep the body in good working order. In 1992 the U.S. Department of Agriculture put together a diagram of a food triangle which suggests that for a healthy diet foods at the base of the triangle should be eaten more regularly. At the base of the pyramid are the breads, grains, rice, and cereal with a recommended 6-11 daily servings. The next level includes 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit. The third level includes 2-3 servings of dairy and 2-3 servings of meats, nuts, eggs, and dry beans. Make a poster pyramid with your child and learn which foods groups are represented in your child's diet. You may also wish to make one for yourself.
You'll need:
• notebook • pencil • large posterboard • markers and crayons • yardstick
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
- With your child gather everything you'll need.
- During the course of several days, ask your child make a list of every single thing he has eaten! He can record this in his notebook.
- Once the list is completed, encourage him to draw a large pyramid shape on the posterboard. If he wishes, he can add a head, arms, and legs to make the square resemble a human body.
- Use the guide above to divide the pyramid into the food group sections.
- Ask him to draw pictures or write the words to show all the different types of foods he has eaten while he was recording his eating habits.
- Be sure to put each picture into the correct food group section.
- Together look at his body pyramid and talk about each food group and whether or not it was represented.
- Determine whether or not he has eaten a balanced diet.
- Are there any changes that should be made?
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- How would you describe a balanced meal?
- Why do you think it is important to eat breakfast?
- What foods are in the different food groups of the pyramid?
|