Eating Healthy Game
Prep
10 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
1
Difficulty
Hard
My kids were getting bored with healthy eating, so I created this fun game that makes nutrition education feel like play. It's wonderfully simple to put together in just ten minutes, and the colorful card stock keeps everyone engaged for a full twenty five minutes of active learning. Best of all, it costs almost nothing since you probably have paper at home already. This game teaches children about real foods and their benefits while keeping them entertained and away from screens. It's become our favorite rainy day activity.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 1 largepaper(board (poster-any color)
- 18 different colors of card stock(or construction paper)
- 11 long paper(envelope (for each kid)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Decide on how you want the game "path" to go from start to finish.
- 2
Decide which color you will use for each food category ( ie. green for veggies, white for dairy, etc.).
- 3
Cut out ( for each kid) 5 rectangles for the veggies (all the same color) 4 for fruits, 6 for the grains, 3 for dairy, 3 for the meat, 4 for water, 1 for vitamins and 2 for Junk food.
- 4
Label each rectangle with the category and serving size ( Veggies-1/2 c.).
- 5
Serving sizes for a 1-3 year old:Grains-5 a day 1/2 slice or 1/4 cup, veggies-3-5 a day 1/4 c., Fruits-2-4 a day 1/4c., Dairy- 2-3 a day 1/2 c., Meat/eggs-2-3 a day 1 oz. or 1/4c.
- 6
Serving sizes for a 4-5 year old: Grains-1/2 slice or 1/3c., Veggies.-1/3c.,Fruits-1/3 c.,Dairy 3/4 c., Meat-1 1/2oz. or 1/3c.
- 7
Serving sizes for a 6-12 year old:Grains-1 slice or 1/2 c., Veggies.- 1/2 c., Fruit- 1/2 c., Dairy- 1 c., Meat-2 oz. or a 1/2 Celsius.
- 8
Water 4 cups a day.
- 9
Cut out 1 extra rectangle for each category. These are the game pieces. Label them with the food category that corresponds with the color. On the back you will write the points. I used move ahead 2 for grains,4 for veggies,2 for fruits, 3 for dairy, for meat,1 for water, 2 for vitamins and move back 1 for junk food.
- 10
The hard part is making sure that they have to eat well to win but making it so they don't lose all the time either. It has to be reasonable or they won't try at all.
- 11
Cut squares of each color of card stock. (how many will depend on how you will set up the game board). I used 30 I think. You will have to make sure that your point system allows them to reach the finish.
- 12
Glue the squares in a path on the poster board. Decorate the board as desired.
- 13
Seal each envelope and cut in in 1/2 width wise.
- 14
Label 1 1/2 with their name and put their cards inside(I put their initial in the corner to keep track).
- 15
Label the other 1/2 with name and I Ate --
- 16
To play: start new every morning. They get to put a card in their "I ate"pocket every time they finish a serving. After dinner they take a small toy or game piece and move it forward or backwards according to the game cards(ex. they take a card out of their "I ate" pocket and check the game cards to see how many spaces they move.) You could also just write the points on the backs of each card instead, but it will be more trouble to change if you realize your point system isn't working,.
- 17
Play and good luck!
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.
Tropical Quinoa
This tropical quinoa bowl has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in just forty minutes and tastes like a mini vacation on a plate. Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients since it's a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it so satisfying and perfect for keeping energy levels steady. The combination of papaya, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro brings vibrant flavors and colors, while the rice wine vinegar and orange zest add just the right brightness. Best part is the ingredient list is simple and affordable, yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table.
Coconut & raspberry crush
Have you tried making a drink that's both refreshing and genuinely good for you? This coconut and raspberry crush is my go to when I want something special without the fuss. The best part is how quick it comes together in just ten minutes of prep. Coconut water is absolutely fantastic for hydration, packed with natural electrolytes that your body actually needs. I love combining it with tart raspberries and a hint of mint for that perfect balance of sweet and zingy. It's simple, it's delicious, and honestly, it feels like you're treating yourself to something fancy.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.