Download Note for Parents - Alma Public School

Week starting: Monday 28/07/2014
Healthy Munching & Jumping in
Outback Schools Program
What did we learn this week?
What are we taking home?
Students learned about the difference between healthy and
unhealthy eating habits and activity habits, and how this
affects our bodies. We talked about the five food groups we
need to eat from every day – cereals and grains, meat and
meat alternatives, dairy and alternatives, fruit and
vegetables. We also discussed different sources of
information about nutrition and physical activity, and how
to tell whether these sources are reliable or not.
Students were given a ‘Healthy Munching
and Jumping in Outback Schools’ cover page
to decorate before next week – anything to
do with healthy eating and physical activity is
good! They also have a questionnaire to
complete with a family member about their
diet and physical activity habits.
Why is it important to eat from each of the five food groups?
Each food group gives us different things that are important for good health, and we should eat a variety of
foods within each group. Grains and cereals provide carbohydrates for energy, fibre for regular gut function, B
vitamins for energy metabolism and minerals like iron and zinc for normal growth. Meat and alternatives like
legumes and nuts provide the protein we need to grow and repair our bodies. Dairy and alternatives give us
the calcium we need for healthy bones and teeth. Fruit and vegetables provide lots of vitamins and minerals,
as well as fibre and special ‘phytochemicals’ that reduce the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease
and other chronic illnesses.
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and Dietary Guidelines are attached to this note. For more information:
http://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups
Where can you find more information about the program?
At any time, you can opt-in to receive program information and reminders via e-mail, SMS, phone or face-toface sessions. Send an email to [email protected] with your name, your child’s name, and
how you would like to receive program information. Alternatively, you can leave a message for Sally and
Natalya at the front office on (08) 8088 2181 with your details.
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