Eating Smart: Building a Balanced Diet

A guide to healthy eating for Year 6 Understanding food groups and meal planning

What Do You Think Makes a Meal Healthy?

Think about your favorite meal What foods are in it? Is it good for your body?

Why Do We Need Food?

Food gives us energy to play and learn Helps our bodies grow strong Keeps us healthy and fights illness Makes our brains work better

The Five Food Groups

Group 1: Fruits and Vegetables

Give us vitamins to stay healthy Provide fiber to help digestion Should fill half your plate Eat a rainbow of colors

Color Challenge Activity

Name one fruit or vegetable for each color: Red Orange Yellow Green Purple

Group 2: Carbohydrates

Give us energy for our day Include bread, pasta, rice, potatoes Choose wholemeal when possible Should be about 1/4 of your plate

Group 3: Protein

Helps our muscles grow strong Repairs our body when we're hurt Found in meat, fish, eggs, beans Should be about 1/4 of your plate

Group 4: Dairy

Makes our bones and teeth strong Includes milk, cheese, yogurt Choose lower fat options Some people use plant alternatives

Group 5: Fats and Sugars

Needed in small amounts only Too much can make us unwell Includes sweets, cakes, fizzy drinks Choose healthy fats like nuts and olive oil

Healthy vs Less Healthy Choices

{"left":"Apple slices with peanut butter\nCrisps and chocolate\nGrilled chicken sandwich\nBurger and chips","right":"Water or milk\nFizzy drinks\nHomemade pizza with vegetables\nShop-bought pizza"}

The Balanced Plate Model