Teaching Nutrition: Recipes, Resources for Teachers
Education World has gathered five resources teachers can use to explore easy recipes with students and teach them about nutrition basics.
- MedicineNet: This site offers an informative article on National Nutrition Month including slide shows, photos, a diet and nutrition quiz, and more.
- SparkPE: Access a number of easy recipes, like an Apple Almond Salad. It also includes a list of taste and learn activities with each recipe:
Prep Time: 10 minutes Serves: 8 servings or 32 (½ cup serving) tasting samples
- 1 cup non-fat, bottled raspberry vinaigrette
- 8 small apples, diced
- 1 cup Craisins® or other dried fruit bits
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 8 cups bagged, pre-cut mixed greens
Directions:
- In advance, rinse and drain the apples and mixed greens.
- In a large salad bowl, add the ingredients and toss gently.
- Serve ½ cup tasting samples on small plates with a fork.
- Clean work area and utensils with warm soapy water. Rinse with clean water.
Per full-size serving (1 3/4 cups): 221 Calories, 5.2g Pro, 5.9g Fat, 24% Calories from Fat Recipe Source: (Modified) Education.com-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 6/11.
Taste and Learn Activity Materials: MyPlate symbol
- Fill half of a standard size meal plate with salad and explain it represents the fruits and veggies of the MyPlate symbol.
- Discuss how eating that amount at meals helps kids get their suggested daily servings of fiber.
- Ask kids to think of the fruits/veggies they ate yesterday.
- Did the amount they ate fill half a plate? Have them draw a representation of their plate.
- Ask kids to create a menu using the recipe and the other MyPlate food groups (grains, protein and dairy).
- Have them create a grocery list for their menu.
- USDA: This website provides teachers with a number of Nutrition Month resources including lesson plans, websites, and more.
- International Business Times: This article offers ideas for healthy eating habits, recipes and tips that teachers can share with their students about keeping a balanced diet.
- Food and Health: This website has a number of activities, recipes, tips, resources, and more.
Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor