SCIENCE THIRD GRADE : FIT FOR LIFE

Nutrition

Nutrition is how we get the food we need to grow healthy and strong. Vitamins and minerals help our bodies to function and grow. Why is nutrition important for kids? Eating good foods is especially important for kids because they are still growing.

Kids' bodies need nutrition to grow strong healthy bones and muscles. If you don't get all the vitamins and minerals you need while you are growing, you won't grow as tall and as strong as you could be.

Food Groups

There are five main food groups that you should eat every day. By eating a variety of foods in each of these food groups, you will get the nutrition you need to grow and be healthy.

Grains - breads, cereal, pasta, rice

Dairy - milk, cheese, yogurt

Fruits - apples, oranges, berries, grapes, bananas

Vegetables - broccoli, beans, spinach, carrots, peas

Protein - beef, chicken, pork, eggs, nuts, fish

My Plate

As you can see, each of the five food groups is drawn on the plate. Notice that the vegetables and grains portions are slightly larger than the fruit and protein portions. This gives you an idea of what foods you need to eat and how much of each.