Lesson 1.1: Eat more fruit and vegetables

Background: Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily can lead to better health, according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Dark green, red, and orange vegetables and dried beans and peas are important sources of fiber, potassium, folate, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and several other nutrients.

Eating more fruit and vegetables reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and may protect against some cancers. When prepared without extra fat or sugar, fruits and vegetables are also low in calories. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when people eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.

 Target Audience: Latino families with children, 3-8 years

Key Message: Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day

Objectives: By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

1) Identify the health benefits of eating more fruit and vegetables;

2) Identify ways to add different types of fruit and vegetables to meals and snacks; and

3) Identify at least one parenting tip families can use to help their children eat more fruit and vegetables.

Materials:

• Tape and different colors of construction papers (orange, yellow, red, green, purple, white, brown);
• Post-it notes and pencils;
• A few colorful fruits and vegetables (like mango, tomatoes, cilantro, lemon);
• Supplies and recipes for food demonstration (suggested Mango Salsa).

Handouts: Mango Salsa recipe (English) (Spanish); MyPlate mini-posters (Spanish or English)

Set-up before class:  Tape papers on the walls around the room, display fruit and vegetables on front table

Click here for complete English lesson: Lesson 1.1 Fruit & Vegetables (English draft)

Click here for complete Spanish lesson: Lección 1.1 Coma más frutas y verduras (Spanish version)