Fat also insulates the body, keeping us warm in the winter and protecting us from heat in the summer. Fat acts as a cushion to some parts of the body, such as the soles of the feet and our bottoms. Too much fat may affect the heart, lungs and joints. Even though we need some fat, we only need a little. The Fat, Oil and Sweets group is at the top of the pyramid, indicating that we do not need to eat very much of it.
Students test for hidden fat.
Distribute sheets of brown paper to students and ask them to write their names on the paper. Have students pick ten foods from what you brought. Tell them to take a piece of each of the foods they chose and rub the piece on a separate spot on the brown paper. If they are testing sunflower seeds or nuts, they should break the food in half, so the inside of the food is rubbed onto the paper bag. Tell them to circle the spot where they rubbed each food and write the name of the food tested below the circle.