Does everyone know they’ve done away with the food pyramid and adopted the food plate? I know, it’s kind of old news, but as I’ve been reflecting on how to make sure we get more vegis into our diets, I thought up this craft for the kids. I really thought the visual would be helpful to understand the importance of balanced eating…especially for my middle child who just wants to eat cheese and fruit. Here’s a visual the government has come out with to show what we should be eating at each meal.
It’s such a great, simple visual, but I wanted to create our own. Here’s the result:
OK – It was really an excuse to go through my cooking magazines. The girls also were able to go through – cutting and pasting as they found healthy food to add. Kenzie was wanting to be convinced that a cookie fit into one of these categories, and I explained there were proteins and grains in a cookie, we’re looking for healthier choices. I wish cookies were a food group too, Kenz.
Don’t let the mess discourage you. I set the timer, and we literally had it cleaned up in two minutes.
This lead right into lunch, and we decided on a smoothie. The smoothie was filled with dairy (milk and yogurt), fruit (frozen strawberries, blueberries and raspberries), vegetables (spinach and carrots) and protein (Greek yogurt). We realized we were missing grains, so they decided on a side of cereal. By the way, I try to always stuff vegis in our smoothies. They’ve never complained. I did it secretly at first, but I now do it openly. They’ve always loved them, so knowing the vegetables went in didn’t phase them.
What a great way to make your children aware of good nutrition. Something that will benefit them their whole life, to few people have taught this important lesson for their children, including me for my now 24 yr old. Fortunately she is learning now, works out about 4-5 days a week etc. Bravo to you!
Thanks, Shari. I only started taking my mom’s advice on nutrition as an adult too. Thanks so much for your encouragement.
What a great way to make them understand good nutrition. And I love the idea of vegetables in their smoothies. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!! Hope you will share with us again next week.
Thanks for linking up at Thinky Linky Thursday this week! We are happy to have your ideas.
Lori @ Cachey Mama’s Classroom
I love this fun, educational activity!! Very cool. I shared it with my Facebook readers here:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Life-Intentionally/261252997248957 – Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a great weekend,
Beth =)