Soup is Good Food

CONCEPT: Calculating Phe

 

BRIEF SUMMARY

Review the phenylalanine content of several different types of canned soups and sort them into low, medium, and high PHE groups. Discuss portion sizes and whether these would fit into the food pattern of a person with PKU.

 

OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, children will be able to:

  • sort several soups into low, medium, or high phe groups
  • state that the amount of phe we eat increases as our portion sizes increase
  • use the phe content of a food item to decide if it will fit into their food pattern

 

METHODS

Activity:
"You've heard it advertised on TV. Is soup good food for kids with PKU? Let's find out."

Distribute the "Soup is Good Food!" worksheet and a Food List to each participant.

Discussion:
Discuss each step as the children work through the activity.

  1. Give the children time to look up the phe content of each of the soups on their Food List and write the amounts in column 1.
  2. Show the 1/2 cup measuring cup to the children. "Is this enough soup for you at a meal?" Discuss portion sizes. As the portion size increases, so does the amount of phe it contains. So, the amount of phe we eat increases as our portion size increases.
  3. Compare 1/2 cup of Split Pea and Ham soup to your total daily PHE from food.
  4. Compare 1/2 cup of Tomato Bisque soup to your total daily PHE from food. Which is a good choice for you?
  5. Discuss low, medium, and high phe groups. Participants rate each soup in column 5.
    • Low = less than 35 mg PHE per 1/2 cup serving
    • Medium = 35-50 mg PHE per 1/2 cup serving
    • High = more than 50 mg PHE per 1/2 cup serving
  6. Would the soup fit into your food pattern? (column 6) Discuss their repsonses and why.

 

MATERIALS

 

HOME ACTIVITIES

Involve your child in the decision-making process of meal planning. How much phe is in a specific food? Is the portion size listed big enough? Will this fit into your child's food pattern? If not, is there a lower phe alternative?

 

 

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