Activities to Teach The Food Pyramid

Americans are the fattest people in the world, according to downtoearth.org. One reason for the ever-widening population is that the average American really doesn't understand basic nutrition. The United States Department of Agriculture updated the traditional Food Guide Pyramid with MyPyramid in 2005.

Features

• Two servings a day of meat or alternatives is part of the food pyramid.

  While the traditional food pyramid is horizontal, MyPyramid is vertical. Although the logo has changed, the concept of healthy eating remains the same. Pyramid information teaches people to eat properly: six to 11 servings of breads and cereals, three to five servings of vegetables, two to four from the fruit group, two from the milk options, two from the meat and alternatives, and as little fat, oils and sweets as possible.

Activities

• Plenty of online resources exist about the food pyramid.

  With so many sites offering food pyramid and MyPyramid activities, you could be overwhelmed by choice. Mypyramid.gov is comprehensive and has sections that range from interactive tools to multimedia animation.

Print Materials

• Print materials for children are available.

  Print materials at mypyramid.gov begin with the 2- to 5-year-old age group and include mini-posters, coloring sheets and pointers for preschoolers. For the 6- to 11-year-olds there are posters, tips for families and worksheets.

Exercise

• Exercise is essential.

  In addition to nutrition, mypyramid.gov also stresses that people need to exercise. First Lady Michele Obama has made getting kids in shape her focus. The Apps for Healthy Kids program at mypyramid.gov offers prizes for software tools and games that encourage children to exercise.

Benefits

• Smaller is healthier.

  Fat children often grow up to be obese adults. By teaching children to be responsible for what they eat at an early age, the activities at mypyramid.gov promote making informed choices. Adults engaging in the activities outlined on mypyramid.gov will learn to make good food decisions.