Free Handout: Nutrition Month for Kids

How can you climb a tree without any energy?

Playing outside is a great way to get some exercise

Nutrition Month can be fun for the whole family! Don't leave kids out of the loop -- these lessons are also important. To help with that idea, and to get you one last resource before Nutrition Month officially begins, today we bring you a fantastic free handout! It offers a perfect way to introduce important nutrition information.

Check out the preview below, then scroll down to download the PDF!

What Makes You Strong?

If you want to be healthy and have the energy for all your favorite games and activities, then you need to eat food that is good for you and will make you strong. How can you tell which foods will do the job? Check out this handy guide!

Does It Have Nutrients?

Nutrients exist in many foods. We need nutrients to survive. Vitamins and minerals are both nutrients and key to growing up strong and healthy. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy are all chock-full of nutrients. For example, milk is full of calcium and often has vitamin D. Both are nutrients, and your body needs them to strengthen your bones

.Does It Have Fiber?

Fiber is in fruits and vegetables, as well as many whole grains. It makes you feel full and helps your digestive system work usually. Beans have a lot of fiber, and so does brown rice. You could make an excellent rice bowl filled with brown rice, beans, salsa, and vegetables! They all have tons of fiber.

Does It Skip or Limit “Bad for Me” Foods?

Some foods aren’t helpful when it comes to growing up healthy. Lots of kids eat too many “empty calories.” Empty calories are calories that don’t have any nutrients. They can even make you gain weight. Don’t eat very much sugar -- sugar is jam-packed with empty calories. Plus, it messes with your blood sugar, which could leave you full of energy one minute, and tired out the next.

Another “bad for me” food to skip is saturated fat. Saturated fat is bad for you, especially for your heart. You’ll find it in animal products like butter and meat, and it’s often solid at room temperature. Trans fat is another “bad for me” food you should avoid. It’s often in store-bought baked goods and crackers, along with margarine.

So, How Can I Eat Right?

The best way to eat right is to eat small portions of many different foods. Choose tons of colorful vegetables and fruits, then fill the rest of your plate with a little lean protein (like chicken breast or beans), a little nonfat dairy (like skim milk or fat-free yogurt), and a few whole grains (like brown rice and wheat bread)

.Like what you see? Download a MyPlate Nutrition Month handout for free!