January
Tip of the Month
Discover Smart Servings!
Sometimes it is not WHAT you eat, but HOW
MUCH. Choose smart servings. Added fat and sugar content are a clue
to serving size.
| Activity
Idea: Looking at Portion Sizes |
| Source:
|
Healthy
Kids Challenge, A La Cart, Snack Fun booklet
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Kids
discover “smart servings” at Paso Del Manor
Elementary |
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| Description: |
Kids
compare calorie amounts and portion sizes of different foods |
| Grades: |
4-5 |
| Supplies: |
4
medium-size oranges, 2 large baked potatoes (each with 2 Tbsp. fat-free
sour cream), 1 small (1.69 oz.) package of M&M® candies,
18 potato chips, blackboard
Optional: MyPyramid for Kids Poster( www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html) |
| |
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| Directions: |
| 1. |
In class,
set-up a display table with the foods and serving sizes listed
under supplies.
|
| 2. |
Begin
by asking kids to guess which of the displayed food items
has the most calories.
|
| 3. |
Take
a vote for each item (for added physical movement, have students
stand-up to vote rather than just raise their hands), and
record the votes on the blackboard.
|
| 4. |
Discuss
the correct answer: They are ALL about the
same, with approximately 240 calories.
Note: Most people will think the chips or
M&M® candies are higher in calories knowing they contain
sugar and fat and are considered “junk” food.
People don’t stop and think about the serving size of
each food and how they differ.
|
| 5. |
Ask students
to consider the following:
a. How large is the portion
of the fruit or vegetable and how small is the portion for
the candy or chips?
b. What amounts of these items
do YOU usually eat?
|
| 6. |
Optional
discussion point:
a. In advance, download the
MyPyramid
for Kids Poster .
b. Using the poster, ask kids
in which MyPyramid Group each food is found.
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This activity is found on
page 44 of A La Cart, Snack Fun. For more
activity ideas like the one above, check out HKC resource
materials. See the order page
for descriptors and to view the Table of Content and booklet
sample pages.
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