1.NPA.1

1.NPA.1.1 Select a variety of foods based on MyPlate.MyPlate has a table setting showing the food groups that represent a balanced and healthy meal. The plate is divided into four sections: vegetables, fruits, grains and meats/proteins. Dairy is shown as a glass of milk or perhaps a bowl of yogurt above the plate. Each color is different to represent a different group. Notice that the vegetable and grain sections of the plate are larger than the protein and fruit because people should eat more vegetable and grain than fruit and protein servings. A balanced meal has foods from several of these groups. For example, a lunch of a ham sandwich, carrot sticks, apple, and milk has a serving of each group: sandwich bread = grain, ham = protein, carrot sticks = vegetable, apple = fruit, and milk = dairy. Everyone should eat a variety of foods each day, but especially children who are growing and developing.

Being exposed to a variety of foods is helpful to providing all the necessary nutrients. For example, meats, beans and nuts provide protein and iron. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber. Milk, ice cream, yogurt and cheese provide calcium and vitamin D. Adults should encourage children to taste and enjoy new foods. They should eat a variety of foods within each group as well: instead of having applesauce with each meal, they should try fruits of different colors and consistencies: oranges, pears, star fruit, cherries, grapes, strawberries, tangerines, bananas, and peaches. By planning meals ahead of time, families are better able to include a variety of foods throughout the week.
 * The student will give examples of foods from each group.
 * The student will select and eat a variety of foods at school breakfast and lunch.
 * The student will demonstrate a willingness to try a variety of new foods suggested on MyPlate.

1.NPA.1.2 Contrast nutrient-dense foods with empty calorie or calorie-dense foods.Foods should not be described as “good or bad” or as “healthy or unhealthy.” It is better to use the word nutrient-dense. A food that is nutrient-dense is one that contains nutrients a child needs more of: vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Examples are broccoli, low-fat milk, turkey and pineapple. Foods that are calorie-dense have fewer of those nutrients along with high fat, calories, sugar, and salt. Examples of calorie dense foods are hot dogs, hamburgers and macaroni and cheese. Empty calorie foods are those with high calories and little or no nutrients, such as sodas, candy bars, cookies, chips, butter and mayonnaise.

Americans would eat more healthfully if more of their foods were nutrient-dense. Conversely, if fewer of their foods came from empty calorie or calorie-dense foods, maintaining healthy weight and diet would be easier.
 * The student will define nutrient-dense.
 * The student will identify foods based on nutrient density.The student will select meals with more nutrient-dense foods and less calorie-dense and empty calorie foods.