Know Your Portions

Introduction

Q: Did you know that dehydration (not drinking enough water) can make it hard to focus?
A: Next time you need an energy boost, try drinking a glass of water. 

We've talked about how food is fuel and gives you energy to move, and how reading a label can help you to make nutritious food choices. Now we are going to talk about the difference between a serving size and a portion size.

A serving is a measured amount used to identify the calories and nutrients that are in a food. A serving size can be 1 slice of bread, a 6-inch tortilla, or 1 cup of milk. A portion is the right amount of food for your body—not too much and not too little. No two bodies are exactly the same, so not every portion size is the same. Look at What is a Portion Size? to see how you can use your hand to help you decide portion sizes for your body...now and as you grow. 

This activity is a matching game. You will match different foods to different hand shapes to help you learn how to choose healthy portions for your body.

Activity Instructions

1. Place Portion Match Activity Cards throughout the entire activity space.
2. Shout, "GO!"
3. Players run to grab 1 card.
4. Once every player has a card all kids will scramble to find another player with a matching card.
5. When 2 players find matching cards, they freeze in place.
6. Shout, "Stop" to end the activity.
   • Players stay frozen if a match is found.
   • If no match was made, the player raises their hand and walks in place.
7. Leader helps remaining players find their matches if available.
   • Not every player will be able to make a match if there is not an even number playing.
   • Pick up the remaining cards and distribute to players without a match.
8. All players share matches with the group.

Reflections

Turn and talk with your partner (from the matching activity just completed).

Q: What do I mean when I say, "A portion is the right amount of food for your body"?
A: A portion is the right amount of food for your body--not too much and not too little. Not every body is the same size, so not every portion size is the same. You can use your hand to help you decide the portion sizes for your body now and as you grow. 

Challenge

Think about your hands. Compare your hands and your portions with those of a family member. Why do you think their portions are bigger or smaller?