The significance of the number “6” can be found in the food guide pyramid and the six different colored sections that make up the pyramid. Five of the six sections illustrate the five food groups – grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins. The final section, designated by the yellow color, is for oils. Oils are not considered a food group; however, a certain amount of unsaturated fats such as canola oil and the oils in nuts and fish, is needed for good health. This method of nutrition education is different from the “Basic 4” Food Groups that many of us adults were brought up on. See if your child can explain the food guide pyramid to you. Can they name the 6 food groups? Do they know how much of each food group they should be eating? If not, use this opportunity to slip in a little dab of nutrition education. Don’t know the answer yourself? Visit www.mypyramid.gov and find the answers together.
Here is a tip for helping your child hit all six food groups during the day. With you child, count the number of food groups they have chosen for a meal. Encourage them to choose a food from a different food group if they want to go back for seconds.
