Animals, including humans, can’t make their own food — we have to eat it. Different foods give us different nutrients: carbohydrates for energy, protein for growth, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, fibre for digestion and a little fat.
What your child will learn
- Know that animals, including humans, need the right types and amounts of food
- Name the main food groups and what each one does
- Plan a balanced meal
- Know why too much sugar and fat is unhealthy
A balanced plate
A balanced meal has a mix of food groups: vegetables or fruit, a starchy carbohydrate like rice or potatoes, and a protein like beans, fish, eggs or chicken. Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and drink plenty of water.
Sweets, cakes and fizzy drinks are fine as occasional treats, but too much sugar harms teeth and health.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Which of these is a protein food?
🐟- Apple
- Jam
- Cucumber
- Fish
Show answer
Answer: Fish. Fish is rich in protein.
2. True or false? A balanced diet has lots of different kinds of food.
Show answer
Answer: True. Eating a variety gives us all the nutrients we need.
3. How many portions of fruit and vegetables should we aim to eat each day?
- 2
- At least 5
- 1
- None
Show answer
Answer: At least 5. At least five a day keeps us healthy.
Tips for grown-ups
- Sort the shopping into food groups when you unpack it.
- Plan a balanced lunchbox together.
- Read food labels and look for sugar.