Eating better can seem like quite a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. As long as you know a few basics — the food groups that make up your meals and snacks, what foods are in each group, and the amount you need to eat each day — you'll be on the road to success in no time!
You couldn't learn to read until you had memorized the alphabet, and you couldn't do math without mastering basic counting first. The same applies to eating well: You need to understand the building blocks before you can construct a day's menu!
Every food you eat falls into a food group — and the healthiest way to eat is to get the right mix of food from all the groups every day. You need a lot from some groups to get energy and to make sure you're building strong bones and muscles, and you need to limit your intake from other groups to make sure you're not taking in too many calories or too much fat. A good mix of foods also keeps you healthier overall!
NOTE: This Web site offers a lot of information about eating better and getting fit, and not all of it will be right for all kids. Always check with your parents before you make any changes in the way you eat or exercise — they'll know best what's right for you.
In this article:
Basics of Healthy Eating
The Food Groups
How to Keep a Basic Food Log
Logging Foods Using Serving Sizes