We have been learning a lot about healthy eating in second class. We have made our own food pyramids and we know how much of each food group we should be eating for a healthy body.
The Food Pyramid is designed to make healthy eating easier. Healthy eating is about getting the correct amount of nutrients – protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals you need to maintain good health.
Foods that contain the same type of nutrients are grouped together on each of the shelves of the Food Pyramid. This gives you a choice of different foods from which to choose a healthy diet. Following the Food Pyramid as a guide will help you get the right balance of nutritious foods within your calorie range. Studies show that we take in too many calories from foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt, on the top shelf of the Food Pyramid. They provide very little of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. Limiting these is essential for healthy eating.
So in a nutshell, healthy eating involves:
• plenty of vegetables, salad and fruit
• a serving of wholemeal cereals and breads, potatoes, pasta and rice at every meal – go for wholegrain varieties wherever possible
• some milk, yoghurt and cheese
• some meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts
• a very small amount of fats, spreads and oils
• and a very small amount or no foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt
Try to avoid over processed food products and especially processed meats such as ham, sausages and other packaged meat products. Opt for higher quality protein such as fresh fish, turkey, chicken, nuts and seeds.
