Updated 21 April 2004, 16.48

Main activity
Students work out the total amount of time they spent being physically active and write down what they have eaten the previous day.

They can try to assess whether they have carried out an hour of moderate intensity activity the previous day and whether they have eaten the right amount from each food group.

They can use the information from LifeBytes or the British Nutrition Foundation to devise a two-day activity chart and healthy eating menu for a girl or boy of their age.

If the internet is available to the class they could look at the healthy eating and physical activity sections of the LifeBytes website.

They can use it find out about physical activity and healthy eating and see how much they know by trying the quizzes in each section.

Extension activity
Discussion about what can be done to support someone who is being bullied over their weight.

Students can look at the mental health section of the LifeBytes website or Don't Suffer in Silence from the DfES.

Plenary
Recap the main teaching points.

Students share menus and activity charts with other members of the class.

Teachers' Background

• Food provides the energy which is used up in keeping the body functioning properly.

• Each person needs a different amount of energy (calories) and therefore each individual differs in the amount of food they should eat. However much people need, the proportions of food from the five groups remain the same.

• There are a number of factors that affect the amount of energy a person needs such as gender, age, body size and levels of physical activity.

• A healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of illness in childhood and in the longer term can prevent illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, stroke and some cancers.

• Research shows that young people should be aiming for at least one hour of moderate intensity physical activity a day. Moderate intensity physical activity makes you feel warm and slightly out of breath. Brisk walking, cycling or dancing are all examples of moderate intensity activities.

More Info

UK has a million overweight children

Exercise toys help fight obesity

What are eating problems?

I've changed my life by losing weight

I felt sick when I looked in the mirror

Web Links
	Wired for Health
	LifeBytes (for students)
	British Nutrition Foundation
	DfES Bullying
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