Nutrition Definitions:
Carbohydrates- the major source of energy for your body, two kinds simple (also called simple sugars) and complex (also known as starches). Good sources include: whole-grain cereals, brown rice, whole-grain breads and muffins, fruits, vegetables, wheat pasta.
Protein- builds up, maintains, and replaces the tissues that make up your muscles, your organs and your immune system. Good sources include: low-fat or nonfat dairy products, lean meats, eggs, nuts (including nut butters), seeds, and cooked dried beans.
Fiber- helps move food through the digestive system and also helps provide a feeling of fullness and thus discourage overeating. Good sources: whole-grain breads, waffles, and cereals; brown rice, bran, and other grains; fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts.
Calcium- the key building block for healthy bones, during childhood and adolescence, the body uses the mineral calcium to build strong bones. Good sources include: milk, calcium fortified foods such as orange juice, soy products and bread, cheese, yogurt, etc.
Iron- helps transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Good sources include: red meat, tuna, eggs, tofu, leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
Vitamins- are found in the foods we eat and are essential for healthy body growth and development
- Vitamin A- important for eyesight, helps us see colors and at night.
- Vitamin B- important for metabolic activity, it helps us make and expend energy, also involved in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body.
- Vitamin C- helps your body resist infection.
Minerals- just like vitamins, minerals help your body grow, develop and stay healthy. Some important minerals include calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc.
Fun & Games From Around the Internet
Parents, please share your ideas!
Books to Share With Your Kids
Activities for You and Your Kids
- Nutrition Explorations - Interactive computer games about nutrition
- Make an Edible "Work of Art"
Not only do fruits taste good, they are also pretty to look at. Encourage your children (at home or in groups) to design a beautiful fruit plate, suitable for parties, special occasions or just for fun!
Instructions:
- Decide which fruits you want to use on your fruit plate. Some examples include sliced bananas, melon balls or wedges, pineapple tidbits, blueberries, grapes, apple slices, orange wedges, kiwi slices, apricot halves, sliced strawberries, papaya chunks and slices of pears. HINT: For fruits that brown quickly such as apples, bananas and pears, soak 5-10 minutes in pineapple juice.
- Draw a circle that represents a plate. Make a diagram of how you will arrange your fruit on the plate. Experiment with different patterns, design a face or create a picture.
- Gather the ingredients you need. Wash and prepare. Make your fruit plate.
- Smile and say "thanks" when everyone says "WOW!"
Enjoy These Snacks
Fruit Dip
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt
- Slices of your favorite fruits such as strawberries, apples, bananas, pears, kiwi, pineapple, or grapes.
Combine the applesauce and yogurt in a bowl and mix until well-blended. Pour into a serving bowl and serve with the sliced fruits.
Rainbow Juice
Pour several different colored 100% juices into ice cube trays and freeze. After frozen, place the different colored cubes into a glass and pour apple or white grape juice over the cubes.
Fun & Games From Around the Internet
Evacuation Plan
