Overview

Description:	Students throw and catch a beanbag and hop around while naming healthy foods.
Objective:	Students will identify a variety of healthy foods.
Materials:	Beanbag or Koosh Ball

Activity

1. Ask the students to stand in a circle.
2. Toss the beanbag (using an underhand throw) to a student. This student should then throw the beanbag to a new student.
3. Each student should catch the beanbag once and then sit down so it is clear who still needs a turn.
4. Ask the students why it is important to eat lots of different kinds, or a variety, of healthy foods (because each healthy food does something very different and very special for our bodies). Give them some specific examples (e.g. oranges help us fight off colds and low-fat yogurt keeps our bones strong).
5. Now add the final element. Have the students play again, but this time the student who receives the beanbag should catch it, state one healthy food, and then throw the beanbag to a different student.
6. If a student names a "slow" food, challenge her or him to think of a healthier choice.
7. See how long they can keep the beanbag moving and how many healthy foods they can name.

Background Information

Although all foods can fit into a healthy eating plan in moderation, it is important to reinforce that healthier foods give the body more energy to play and grow. "Junk foods," (processed foods high in fat and added sugar), contain a significant amount of calories but add very little nutrition to kids’ diets.

"Go" foods refer to nutritious foods which give the body the energy to go and grow. "Slow" foods refer to foods high in fat and added sugar which can slow the body down.

Healthy ("Go") Foods and Drinks:

Less Healthy ("Slow") Foods and Drinks: