The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid, also known as MyPyramid, is a great tool for teaching children and adults how to make healthy food and lifestyle choices. MyPyramid is based on the five major food groups and the importance of physical activity. It promotes a well-balanced way of eating that can be maintained for a lifetime. To be successful in teaching the food guide pyramid, follow these easy steps and do some research on the Mypyramid.gov website.
Step 1
Identify each of the five food groups: grains, vegetables, fruit, milk, and meat and beans. Ask students to share some examples of food sources from each group.
Step 2
Share the mottos of each food group and explain their meaning. For example, the motto for the meat and beans group is "Go Lean with Protein!" This means that children and adults should get most of their protein from lean sources like poultry, lean meats, tofu and lentils.
Step 3
Discuss approximate amounts of food that should be eaten from each food group. For example, it is generally recommended that children and adults eat about 6 oz. of grains per day. The size of each section of the pyramid shows how much of our diet should come from each food group. Point out that most of our foods should come from plant sources. The grains, vegetable and fruit groups take up most of the pyramid.
Step 4
Point to the section representing oils. Explain that including small amounts of oils in our diets can help keep our bodies healthy. Be sure to differentiate this section from the discretionary calorie section.
Step 5
Point to the discretionary calorie section at the top of the pyramid. Ask students to share what foods fit into this category and why. Explain that all foods can fit into a healthy diet as long as a healthy base is maintained. Draw their attention back to the base of the pyramid and the sources they shared at the beginning of the lesson.
Step 6
Identify where physical activity is symbolized on the pyramid. Ask students to share what types of sports and activities they take part in.
Tips and Warnings
- More information about the food guide pyramid can be found at Mypyramid.gov. To make this lesson more interesting, provide students with several food cards. Ask them to place the food cards in the correct groups on the pyramid poster. Use foods that contain several food groups for older children. It is also fun to follow this lesson up with a physical activity like 'Simon Says.'
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