Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are foods that can help our bodies become strong and healthy.  One of the main reasons why everyone should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is because they help to keep us from getting sick.  Listed below are different qualities that each one has to keep us healthy:

 

†    FRUITS  (Children should eat 2-3 servings each day)

-  They provide many vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

-   They are low in fat and sodium (salt).

-   Some examples of fruits are apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, pears, and pineapple.

Can you think of any more fruits?

 

†    VEGETABLES (Children should eat 3-5 servings each day)

-   They provide many vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

-   They are high in minerals like iron.

-   They are low in fat.

-   Some examples of vegetables are carrots, celery, broccoli, peas, and green beans.

What other vegetables can you think of?

 

†    WHOLE GRAINS (Children should eat 6-8 servings each day)

-   They are a good source of starch, fiber, and iron.

-   They are located at the bottom of the pyramid because people need to eat the most from this group.

-   Some examples of whole grains are bread, cereal, rice, and crackers.

 

 

Many kids love foods and drinks with added sugar in them like soda pop, fruit punch, cakes, cookies, candy, and ice cream.  Added sugar does not give us many nutrients and vitamins that our bodies need.  These foods are usually high in fat and added sugar, which cause us to gain weight if we eat them all the time.  However, we can eat these foods once in awhile as a nice treat for eating healthy!!