Decoding Nutrition: Healthy Choices

bsweeney

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Decoding Nutrition: Healthy Choices

Understand and plan healthy meals

Students will learn the importance of nutrition and how to make healthy food choices. The lesson includes a comprehensive video on reading nutrition facts, followed by interactive activities such as meal planning and a cooking demonstration. This lesson will equip students with practical skills to make informed dietary choices, promoting long-term healthy habits.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understand and plan healthy meals

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Projector and screen, Printout of a nutrition label, Various food items, Cooking utensils, Ingredients for a simple healthy snack, 'How to Read Nutrition Facts' Video, Meal Planning Worksheet, and Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce the topic of nutrition and its importance.
Ask students what they know about healthy eating and nutrition labels.

Step 2

Video Viewing

6 mins

Show the video 'How to Read Nutrition Facts' to the class.
Encourage students to take notes on key points.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

Engage students in a discussion based on the video.
Use the provided discussion guide to facilitate conversation about what they learned from the video.

Step 4

Interactive Activity: Meal Planning

15 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a Meal Planning Worksheet.
Ask students to plan a balanced meal using the principles learned from the video and labels provided.
Each group will present their planned meal to the class.

Step 5

Cooking Demonstration

15 mins

Conduct a simple cooking demonstration of a healthy snack.
Involve students by assigning them small tasks during the demonstration.
Discuss the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used.

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Q&A

9 mins

Summarize the key points covered during the lesson.
Open the floor for any final questions or comments from students.
Encourage students to apply what they've learned to their daily eating habits.

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Worksheet

Meal Planning Worksheet

Use this worksheet to plan a balanced meal based on the principles of good nutrition learned in the lesson.

List the foods you included in your meal plan. Include portion sizes.

Explain why you chose each food item based on its nutritional value.

Calculate the total calories, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in your meal.

Discuss how your meal meets the criteria for a balanced diet.

Discussion

Nutrition Discussion Guide

Discussion questions to engage students in thinking critically about nutrition and healthy eating.

Why is it important to read and understand nutrition labels?

Discuss how nutrition labels can help in making informed choices; emphasize understanding serving sizes and ingredients.

What are some common misconceptions about healthy eating?

Address myths like 'all fats are bad' or 'all carbohydrates are unhealthy.'

How can we apply what we learned about nutrition labels to our daily lives?

Think about practical ways to read labels while shopping and making food choices.

Activity

Healthy Menus for Teens (9th Grade)

Objective

Students will apply nutrition knowledge to evaluate and design balanced, teen-friendly menus that meet key dietary guidelines.

Materials

Printed copies of the sample menus below
Paper and pens or colored pencils
Meal Planning Worksheet

Time

30 minutes

Instructions

1. Introduction (5 mins)

Review nutrition principles: balance (fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, dairy), portion sizes, and variety.
Explain that today’s focus is on creating menus that 9th graders enjoy, while still meeting nutritional needs.

2. Evaluate Sample Menus (10 mins)

Distribute the sample menus below. In pairs, discuss and answer:
• Which menu is more balanced? Why?
• Are the portion sizes appropriate for a teenager?
• What changes would make the less healthy menu more balanced?
Be ready to share your answers.

Sample Menu A (Balanced Teen-Friendly):
• Breakfast: Whole-grain bagel with avocado (½ bagel), Greek yogurt with mixed berries (1 cup), water
• Lunch: Grilled chicken and veggie wrap on whole-wheat tortilla, carrot sticks (½ cup), apple (1), water
• Snack: Hummus (¼ cup) with whole-grain pita chips (10 chips), banana (1)
• Dinner: Baked salmon (3 oz) with quinoa (½ cup) and steamed broccoli (1 cup), mixed fruit cup (½ cup)

Sample Menu B (Typical Teen Choices):
• Breakfast: Chocolate donut (1), flavored latte (12 oz)
• Lunch: Cheeseburger (1), French fries (medium), soda (12 oz)
• Snack: Potato chips (1 small bag), energy drink (8 oz)
• Dinner: Pepperoni pizza (3 slices), soda (16 oz), packaged cookie (1)

3. Create Your Own Healthy Teen Menu (10 mins)

Plan a full day’s menu for a 9th grader. Fill in each section and explain how it supports a balanced diet.

Breakfast:

Lunch:

Afternoon Snack:

Dinner:

Explain how each choice meets nutrition goals (balance, portion size, variety):

4. Optional Extension (if time allows)

Use the Meal Planning Worksheet to calculate calories, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for your menu.

5. Share and Reflect (5 mins)

Invite volunteers to present their menus.
Discuss which choices were most appealing and how nutrition goals were achieved.
Brainstorm tips for making healthy teen meals quick and satisfying.