🔬 ScienceGrade 2Lesson 28
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Balanced Diet and Food Groups

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

What you will learn

  • 1Name the three food groups
  • 2Give examples from each
  • 3Explain what each food group provides for the body
  • 4Describe what a balanced plate looks like
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Mini Lesson

Your body runs on food the same way a car runs on fuel. But unlike a car, your body needs many different kinds of fuel — for energy, for building and repairing tissues, and for keeping bones and teeth strong. Eating a balanced diet means eating the right amounts from all the food groups every day.

Group 1 — Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables (eat the most)

  • Grains: bread, rice, pasta, oats, corn. These are rich in carbohydrates — the body's main source of energy. Whole grains also provide fiber, which helps digestion.
  • Vegetables and fruit: carrots, spinach, apples, oranges, broccoli. These provide vitamins and minerals that keep organs working well and the immune system strong.
  • This group should make up the largest part of every meal.

Group 2 — Protein (eat a moderate amount)

  • Animal protein: chicken, fish, eggs, beef. Plant protein: beans, lentils, nuts, tofu.
  • Protein provides the building blocks (amino acids) your body needs to grow, repair muscles, and make enzymes and antibodies.
  • Children need plenty of protein because their bodies are growing quickly.

Group 3 — Dairy (every day)

  • Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt. These are rich in calcium, which builds and strengthens bones and teeth.
  • Treats like candy, cake, chips, and soda are not a food group — they are a sometimes food, high in sugar and fat with few vitamins.

What a balanced meal looks like

  • Half the plate: fruits and vegetables.
  • One quarter: grains, and one quarter: protein.
  • Dairy on the side: a cup of milk or yogurt.
  • Drink water with every meal — not sugary drinks.

Words to know

Balanced diet

Eating the right amounts from all food groups every day so the body gets what it needs

e.g. grains, protein, and dairy each day

Carbohydrate

A nutrient in grains, rice, pasta, and bread that gives the body energy

e.g. bread, rice, oats, pasta

Protein

A nutrient that builds and repairs muscles and tissues

e.g. chicken, fish, beans, eggs

Calcium

A mineral in dairy foods that builds strong bones and teeth

e.g. milk, cheese, yogurt

Vitamin

A nutrient in fruits and vegetables that keeps organs and the immune system healthy

e.g. vitamin C in oranges

Fiber

A part of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that helps digestion

e.g. whole grain bread, apples, carrots

A balanced meal plate with fruits and vegetables, grains, and proteinA circular plate divided into sections: half for fruits and vegetables, one quarter for grains, and one quarter for protein. A glass of water sits next to the plate.A Balanced PlateFruits &Vegetables(1/2 plate)Grains(1/4 plate)Protein(1/4 plate)waterFruits & vegGrainsProtein
A balanced plate: half fruits and vegetables, one quarter grains, one quarter protein — with a glass of water to drink.
Three food groups and what each one provides the bodyThree labeled cards showing each food group and its benefit: Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables provide energy and vitamins; Protein provides growth and repair; Dairy provides calcium for bones and teeth.What Each Group ProvidesGrains, Fruits& VegetablesEnergyVitaminsFiberbread, rice,pasta, apple,carrot, cornProteinGrowthRepairAntibodieschicken, fish,eggs, beans,nuts, tofuDairy(every day)CalciumBonesTeethmilk, cheese,yogurt
Each food group card shows what it provides: grains, fruits, and vegetables give energy and vitamins; protein supports growth and repair; dairy builds bones with calcium — treats should be only a small amount.
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Ask yourself: "Can I name the three food groups and tell what each one does for my body?"

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