The Five Fabulous Food Groups
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Lesson Article
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.
The Fruit Group:
- Fresh, canned, frozen, and dried fruits are all part of the fruit group.
- Some examples include apples, pears, oranges, strawberries, raisins, and prunes.
- Fruit juice is also part of this group, but only if it doesn’t have added sugar.
The Grain Group:
- The grain group includes foods made from grains, like bread, noodles, oatmeal, cereal, and rice.
- Some examples of grains are oats, wheat, and barley.
The Vegetable Group:
- The vegetable group includes the roots, stems, and leaves of certain plants that are edible, like carrots, lettuce, and asparagus.
- This group can be divided into smaller groups like dark green veggies, starchy vegetables, and red and orange veggies.
- Examples of red and orange veggies are peppers, squash, and carrots.
The Protein Group:
- The protein group includes meats like chicken, fish like tuna, and eggs.
- Other foods with protein include beans, peanut butter, and tofu made from soybeans.
The Dairy Group:
- The dairy group includes foods made from cow milk or soy milk, like yogurt, cheeses, and milk.
- Ice cream also falls into this group.
Sweet Treats:
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.
Food Quiz:
Can you put food into the right group?
- A slice of pineapple belongs in the fruit group.
- A hard-boiled egg belongs in the protein group.
- Macaroni and cheese is a bit trickier because it contains foods from two different groups. The cheese is in the dairy group, and the macaroni noodles belong to the grain group.
Conclusion:
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!
Discussion Questions
- What is your favorite fruit, and why do you think it is important to include fruits in your diet?
- Do you prefer white or brown rice, and what group does it belong to? Why is it important to include grains in your diet?
- What is your favorite vegetable, and what group does it belong to? Why is it important to include vegetables in your diet?
- What is your favorite protein source, and why is it important to include protein in your diet?
- Do you prefer cow’s milk or soy milk, and what group do they belong to? Why is it important to include dairy products in your diet?
- What is your favorite sweet treat, and why do you think it is important to limit your intake of sugary foods?
- Can you think of any foods that belong to multiple groups? Why do you think it is important to have a balanced diet that includes foods from different groups?
- How do you think knowing about the different food groups can help you make healthier food choices?
Lesson Vocabulary
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.
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- Categories: Health, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: dairy, food groups, fruits, grains, hard-boiled egg, healthy choices, macaroni and cheese, nutrients, pineapple, protein, sweet treats, vegetables
