The 5 Different Food Groups

To educators:

As our students begin to grow and develop it is essential for them to recognize the importance of nutrition and how it affects our bodies. In this unit, students need to recognize the 5 main food groups and understand the effects it has on our health and wellness. Throughout this lesson, students will develop an awareness of what they put into their bodies and how it affects them as individuals. 

Includes: videos, discussion questions, review

Learning objectives: Grade level: 3rd Grade

After this lesson students will be able to…

• Identify the 5 main food groups 
• Categorize what foods belong in each group
• Understand how each food group contributes to a healthy diet

What are the 5 main food groups?

FRUIT GROUP!

VEGETABLE GROUP!

PROTEIN GROUP!

GRAIN GROUP!

DAIRY GROUP!

Review Page: 

• There are 5 main food groups; fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy
• Not all food groups are meant to be eaten in the same amount!
• Half of the plate should be fruits and vegetables! 
• The other half should be protein and grains!
• Fruit- More variety in color the better for you!
• Vegetables- More variety in color the better for you!
• Protein- Palm-sized amount of protein is what you need in a meal 
• Grain- Give us the energy to grow, move, and think! Whole grains are better for you! 
• Dairy- Improves bone health! Aim to have skim and 1% products!

Discussion questions:

• Now you will list what you ate today- what foods go in what food group?
• What is one way you can improve your diet?
• What is your favorite food group and why?
• Now you will create and draw your own plate showing the perfect meal for a balanced diet!