Learning about Food Groups
Posted by Meadow Summers on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Under: Guides
A food group refers to the method of classifying different foods that we consume in our daily lives, based on the nutritional properties of these types of foods and their position in the hierarchy of nutrition. Eating certain proportions of food from various groups is recommended by experts to achieve a healthy lifestyle through diet.
All the food we eat can be divided into five groups. We will look at four of those five food groups. By consuming a healthy diet you eat the right balance between these groups.
It is not only important for adults to get the proper nutrition. It is vital that our children receive proper nutrients in their diets as well. Teaching them to eat properly now will help them retain good health when they are adults. It will also help them to avoid many of the chronic diseases that are prevalent in our society today. The five basic food groups for kids was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a means of educating parents and children about good nutrition which includes the following:
1. Grains - Foods in this group include whole grain breads, rice, pasta and cereals. They are an excellent source of energy as well as the most important source for a variety of nutrients in the diet. These foods are the fuel for the body. Starchy foods should constitute about one third of everything we eat. This means that we should base our meals on these foods. In this case, a serving equals to an ounce. Depending on the age of a child, he should eat 4-6 servings per day. At least half of these servings should be whole grains.
2. Vegetables - Every vegetable is essential, however when it comes to children’s nutrition orange and green varieties are highly suggested. Kids are supposed to consume at least 2.5 cups per day.
3. Fruit - A variety of fruits is as essential as consuming vegetables. When possible, consuming fresh fruit is the most beneficial. Moderately, 100% fruit juice is acceptable, 1.5 cups for each day is suggested.
4. Protein - When it comes to protein, children should eat five servings a day. One serving equals one ounce of nuts, fish, an egg, two ounces of beans or one tablespoon of peanut butter. These foods are excellent sources of high-quality protein that is essential for growth and repair of the body. They are also good sources of several vitamins and minerals. About 15% of the calories we consume each day should come from protein.
Children need to eat a variety of different foods to get the nutrients needed for their health. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that each meal contains at least three of the food groups. Knowing the food groups is a good way to make sure you make the most of every meal or snack.
As a mostly vegan eater, I do not consume dairy products. While dairy does appear on the USDA food recommendation, I do not believe it is essential for optimal health. There are plenty of natural plant-based foods that contain the calcium and protein that we need for good health. I do occasionally consume oily fish for the important omega 3 fatty acids. Wild caught fish is best.
All the food we eat can be divided into five groups. We will look at four of those five food groups. By consuming a healthy diet you eat the right balance between these groups.
It is not only important for adults to get the proper nutrition. It is vital that our children receive proper nutrients in their diets as well. Teaching them to eat properly now will help them retain good health when they are adults. It will also help them to avoid many of the chronic diseases that are prevalent in our society today. The five basic food groups for kids was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a means of educating parents and children about good nutrition which includes the following:
1. Grains - Foods in this group include whole grain breads, rice, pasta and cereals. They are an excellent source of energy as well as the most important source for a variety of nutrients in the diet. These foods are the fuel for the body. Starchy foods should constitute about one third of everything we eat. This means that we should base our meals on these foods. In this case, a serving equals to an ounce. Depending on the age of a child, he should eat 4-6 servings per day. At least half of these servings should be whole grains.
2. Vegetables - Every vegetable is essential, however when it comes to children’s nutrition orange and green varieties are highly suggested. Kids are supposed to consume at least 2.5 cups per day.
3. Fruit - A variety of fruits is as essential as consuming vegetables. When possible, consuming fresh fruit is the most beneficial. Moderately, 100% fruit juice is acceptable, 1.5 cups for each day is suggested.
4. Protein - When it comes to protein, children should eat five servings a day. One serving equals one ounce of nuts, fish, an egg, two ounces of beans or one tablespoon of peanut butter. These foods are excellent sources of high-quality protein that is essential for growth and repair of the body. They are also good sources of several vitamins and minerals. About 15% of the calories we consume each day should come from protein.
Children need to eat a variety of different foods to get the nutrients needed for their health. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that each meal contains at least three of the food groups. Knowing the food groups is a good way to make sure you make the most of every meal or snack.
As a mostly vegan eater, I do not consume dairy products. While dairy does appear on the USDA food recommendation, I do not believe it is essential for optimal health. There are plenty of natural plant-based foods that contain the calcium and protein that we need for good health. I do occasionally consume oily fish for the important omega 3 fatty acids. Wild caught fish is best.
In : Guides
Tags: "food groups" "the food groups" "the five food groups" "food groups for kids"
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