Balanced Nutrition: New Zealand's Four Food Groups

Balanced Nutrition: New Zealand's Four Food Groups

Year 10 Health Education Understanding Food Groups & Serving Sizes Building Healthy Eating Habits

Learning Intentions & Success Criteria

Understand: The role of food groups in supporting health Know: Examples and serving sizes for each food group Do: Categorise foods and plan balanced meals Success: Correctly identify 80% of foods and explain their health benefits

Curriculum Links

Health & PE Achievement Objective: Body growth supported by nutrition Key Competencies: Thinking, Managing Self, Relating to Others Personal Health & Physical Development strand Connecting nutrition knowledge to everyday choices

What Do You Already Know?

Can you name the four food groups used in New Zealand? Why do you think we need different types of foods? Share your thoughts with a partner

New Zealand's Four Food Groups

Group 1: Vegetables & Fruits

Provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber At least 5 servings per day recommended Examples: kumara, broccoli, apples, kiwifruit One serving = 1 medium fruit or ½ cup vegetables

Group 2: Grains & Cereals

Main source of energy for daily activities Choose wholegrain options when possible 6-7 servings per day for teenagers Examples: brown rice, wholemeal bread, oats, pasta

Group 3: Milk & Milk Products

Essential for strong bones and teeth High in calcium and protein 2-3 servings daily for teenagers Examples: milk, cheese, yogurt, calcium-fortified alternatives

Group 4: Lean Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Legumes, Nuts & Seeds

Builds and repairs muscles and tissues Rich in protein, iron, and other minerals 2-3 servings daily recommended Examples: fish, chicken, beans, lentils, nuts, tofu

Food Sorting Challenge

Work in pairs to sort food cards into the correct groups Discuss any foods you're unsure about Be ready to explain your choices Think about foods that might surprise you!

Real-Life Scenarios Discussion

{"left":"Scenario: You only ate chocolate and ice cream for a week\nWhat food groups would be missing?","right":"How might this affect your health and energy?\nWhat changes would you make to balance your meals?"}

Extension & Differentiation

Advanced: Research cultural foods in each group (Māori, Pacific) Creative: Design a balanced meal plan for one day Support: Use visual portion guides and sentence starters Challenge: Investigate environmental impact of food choices