Exploratory Questions.

Start a class discussion by asking the following questions:

• What is “energy”?
• What kinds of things run on energy?

For example - battery-powered toys (batteries), cars (gasoline),cell phones (batteries),TVs (electricity). Explain that people also need and use energy to blink their eyes, talk, move their arms, legs, and to run and play

• What do you think gives people energy?
• What does it feel like when you don’t have any energy?

“Energy” Explorers.

Explain that the best sources of energy for people are foods that have many nutrients. We can’t see nutrients, so the best way to make sure we get them is by eating a variety of foods from all five food groups every day.

List the five food groups on the board: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, and Dairy. Next, brainstorm a variety of foods from each food group with your students. For example:

• Colorful fruits and vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, berries, bananas, apples)
• Protein (like lean meat, chicken, fish, beans, nuts, tofu)
• Whole grains (like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, cereals, bread, tortillas)
• Low-fat dairy (like low- fat milk, yogurt, cheese)

List the foods from each food group on the board or chart paper. Ask students to share what their favorite food or beverage is from each food group and why.

Foods with lots of fat and sugar (like donuts, bacon, ice cream, cookies) don’t have as many good nutrients to help keep you energized throughout the day and should be eaten only some of the time.