How Food Helps Me Grow
CONCEPT: PKU Diet
BRIEF SUMMARY
Review the PKU food groups, the nutrients that each group provides, and what these nutrients do for the body.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this activity, children will be able to:
- state that calories provide energy
- state that protein is needed for growth
- state that fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and other nutrients needed for health
METHODS
Lead a discussion about nutrition with the children:
- What things help them grow? Write their suggestions on the board.
- What are the names of the PKU food groups? Write the food groups on the board as they name them--fruits, vegetables, grains (low protein cereals, breads, pastas), and formula/"milk". These foods help you to stay healthy. There is also a fifth group (at the very top of the pyramid) that includes miscellaneous treats/snacks/free foods. We should choose these less often.
- Does anyone know what is in these different food groups that help to keep you healthy?
Activity:
Hand out a previously prepared food picture to each child. Ask each child to turn their picture over and read what is written on the back. Use this activity to explore these topics:
- fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals
- formula provides protein which helps them grow
- all foods give them energy, but grains and cereals give them a lot of energy
Distribute the handout . Allow the children to work through it, then discuss the answers together.
MATERIALS
- Dry-erase markers or chalk (for the board)
- Prepare pictures of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, and formula. On the back of each picture write what it provides for the body (fruits and vegetables = vitamins/minerals, grains and cereals = energy, formula = protein)
Worksheet- Pencils
HOME ACTIVITIES
As your child eats various foods, discuss what nutrients that food contains.