Hygiene and Nutrition โ€” Food groups (Kenya)

Hello! These short notes explain the main food groups and simple hygiene tips. They are written for children aged 8 and use familiar Kenyan foods.

What are food groups?

Food groups are categories of foods that give our bodies different things we need: energy, growth, vitamins and protection from sickness.

1. Energy foods (Carbohydrates) ๐Ÿš

Give you energy to play and study.

  • Ugali, maize, rice, chapati
  • Potatoes, sweet potatoes, millet

Eat a good amount of these for strength.

2. Body-building (Proteins) ๐Ÿ—

Help build muscles and repair the body.

  • Beans, lentils (maharagwe) โ€” common and healthy
  • Fish, eggs, chicken, beef (nyama)

3. Fruits & Vegetables ๐Ÿฅ•๐ŸŽ

Give vitamins and keep you from getting sick.

  • Sukuma wiki, spinach, carrots, tomatoes
  • Mangoes, oranges, bananas, avocados

Eat many of these every day.

4. Milk & Alternatives ๐Ÿฅ›

Good for bones and teeth.

  • Milk, mtindi (fermented milk), yoghurt, cheese

5. Fats & Sweets ๐Ÿซ๐Ÿงˆ

Give energy but eat little of these.

  • Oils, butter, sweets, soda
  • Use a small amount for cooking and treats

A simple plate (how much to eat)

Carbs
Ugali, rice
Veg
Sukuma wiki, carrots
Protein
Beans, fish
Milk
Milk, mtindi
Fats
Small

The bigger boxes mean eat more of those foods. Eat small amounts of fats and sweets.

Hygiene tips (simple steps)

  • Wash hands with soap and clean water before eating and after toilet. ๐Ÿงผ
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them. ๐ŸŽโžก๏ธ๐Ÿšฟ
  • Cook food well โ€” especially meat, fish and beans. ๐Ÿ”ฅ
  • Store cooked food in a clean place and cover it to keep flies away. ๐Ÿชฐ๐Ÿšซ
  • Drink safe, boiled or treated water. ๐Ÿ’ง

Quick class activity

Draw a plate on a paper. Write or draw foods you ate this week and put them in the right food group. Tick if you washed your hands first. โœ…

Remember

A healthy meal has foods from different groups. Eat many vegetables and fruits, enough energy foods and proteins, some milk, and only a little sugar and fat. Keep your food clean and wash hands!

Examples of a healthy Kenyan school lunch:
  • Ugali + sukuma wiki + grilled fish + a small mango
  • Rice + beans (maharagwe) + tomatoes + a cup of milk

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