First Grade Nutrition Lesson Notes

Introduction

• Topic: MyPlate and the five food groups
• Importance of eating from all five food groups daily
• Overview of MyPlate:
  • Shows a plate and a glass
  • Five food groups: fruits, grains, vegetables, proteins, dairy

Activity: Song about the Five Food Groups

• Engage in a fun song about the food groups
  • Song Highlights:
    • Fruits: e.g., apples, bananas
    • Vegetables: e.g., broccoli, carrots
    • Proteins: e.g., chicken, beans
    • Grains: e.g., bread, rice
    • Dairy: e.g., yogurt, milk

Discussion of Food Groups

1. Grains

• Provides energy
• Examples: cereal, bread, spaghetti, rice, crackers
• Recommendation: Make half of grains whole grains (look for the word "whole")

2. Fruits

• Benefits: Helps fight infections and aids healing
• Examples: apples, pears, watermelon, grapes, blueberries
• Importance: Eat colorful fruits every day

3. Vegetables

• Benefits: Keeps you healthy
• Examples: broccoli, peas, carrots, spinach
• Recommendation: Eat at least one dark green or orange vegetable daily

4. Dairy

• Provides calcium for strong bones and teeth
• Examples: low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream

5. Proteins

• Helps build and repair cells
• Examples: chicken, steak, fish, beans, nuts, nut butters

Interactive Game

• Identify food groups by exercising:
  • Bananas: Jumping jacks = Fruits
  • Bread: Cross crawls = Grains
  • Cheese: Arm circles = Dairy
  • Lettuce: Pretend jump ropes = Vegetables
  • Ham: Squats = Protein

Conclusion

• Encourage using MyPlate for healthy choices
• Assess foods to see which group they belong to
• Foods that don't fit in any group should be eaten less often

Next Steps

• Anticipation for next lesson.