Our bodies need energy to stay active throughout the day, and we get this energy from the food we eat. There are many different types of food people enjoy, and they all provide us with the nutrients we need to stay healthy. Let’s learn more about the different food groups.
Sweet treats like candy don’t fit into any of these groups because they’re mostly made of sugar and don’t have any of the things our bodies need to stay healthy.
Can you put food into the right group?
Making healthy choices when it comes to food is important. The next time you’re hungry, head to the pantry or fridge and choose something healthy. Try to guess what group your food fits into!
Using a paper plate and colored pencils, draw and color your favorite foods from each food group. Remember to include fruits, grains, vegetables, proteins, and dairy. Once you’re done, share your plate with your classmates and explain why you chose those foods.
Collect pictures of different foods from magazines or print them from the internet. Then, sort them into the correct food groups. You can do this activity with your friends and see who can sort the most foods correctly in a set amount of time.
With the help of an adult, find a recipe that includes ingredients from at least three different food groups. Prepare the snack and share it with your family. Don’t forget to explain which food groups are represented in your snack!
For one week, keep a diary of what you eat each day. At the end of the week, review your diary and see how well you did at eating foods from each group. Did you eat more from one group than the others? How can you improve your eating habits next week?
Create a quiz for your classmates about the different food groups. Include questions about which foods belong to which groups, and why it’s important to eat a variety of foods. You can use the information you learned from this article to help you!
food groups – categories of foods that provide similar nutrients and are important for a balanced diet – The five food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
nutrients – substances in food that provide nourishment for growth and metabolism – Vitamins, minerals, and fiber are all important nutrients for a healthy diet.
fruits – sweet and fleshy produce that contain seeds – Apples, bananas, and oranges are all examples of fruits.
grains – edible seeds or kernels of cereal plants – Rice, wheat, and oats are all types of grains.
vegetables – edible parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, and roots – Broccoli, carrots, and potatoes are all examples of vegetables.
protein – a macronutrient necessary for building and repairing tissues in the body – Chicken, fish, and tofu are all good sources of protein.
dairy – a food group that includes milk-based products – Cheese, milk, and yogurt are all dairy products.
sweet treats – foods that are high in sugar and often consumed as desserts or snacks – Cake, cookies, and candy are all examples of sweet treats.
healthy choices – foods that are nutritious and contribute to overall health and well-being – Choosing a salad instead of a burger is an example of a healthy choice.
pineapple – a tropical fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor – Pineapple is a great addition to fruit salads and smoothies.
hard-boiled egg – an egg that has been cooked in boiling water until the yolk and white are firm – Hard-boiled eggs are a popular snack and salad ingredient.
macaroni and cheese – a dish made with cooked macaroni pasta and cheese sauce – Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many.
