Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use the Eatwell Guide and food labels to plan healthy meals.

      Key learning points

      1. The Eatwell Guide depicts the food and drinks required for a healthy, balanced diet, as well as foods to restrict.
      2. We need a variety of foods in each food group to provide a range of nutrients which have different functions.
      3. When choosing food and drinks, current healthy eating and drinking guidelines should be followed. 
      4. Food labels on packaged foods should be checked, choosing those lower in fat, salt and sugars.

      Keywords

      • Macronutrients - nutrients that are needed by the body in large amounts

      • Micronutrients - nutrients that are needed by the body in smaller amounts

      • Hydration - the process of replacing water in the body

      • Food labels - information that is provided on packaged food

      Common misconception

      Pupils often believe that the name of a food group from the Eatwell Guide is also the name of a nutrient.

      A food group from the Eatwell Guide includes foods that contain various nutrients.

      Teacher tip

      Have a large image of the Eatwell Guide that pupils can refer to during the lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      True or false? The Eatwell Guide shows the food groups that are needed in order to have a well-balanced and healthy diet.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: True
      False

      Q2.
      How many portions of fruit and vegetables should we aim to eat per day?

      at least one a day
      at least two a day
      at least three a day
      at least four a day
      Correct answer: at least five a day

      Q3.
      Which food provides protein?

      Correct answer: salmon
      tomatoes
      olive oil

      Q4.
      The main function of carbohydrate in the diet is to provide us with ...

      Correct Answer: energy

      Q5.
      What is the main function of protein in the diet?

      provides energy
      Correct answer: growth and repair
      strengthens bones and teeth
      improves eyesight

      Q6.
      Food labels often use the colours of a traffic light to indicate the amounts of fat, salt and sugars. The colour __________ indicates that the food is a healthier choice.

      red
      amber
      Correct answer: green
      Q1 © Crown copyright, OHID in association with the Welsh government, Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Starting from the largest, place these Eatwell Guide food groups in order of size.

      1 - fruit and vegetables
      2 - beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins
      3 - oils and Spreads

      Q2.
      Match these food items to the correct Eatwell Guide food group.

      Correct Answer:banana,fruit and vegetables
      Correct Answer:oats,potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates
      Correct Answer:lentils,beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins
      Correct Answer:fruit yogurt,dairy and alternatives
      Correct Answer:vegetable oil,oils and spreads

      Q3.
      Which drink is best to drink regularly?

      sugary drinks
      Correct answer: water
      fruit smoothie

      Q4.
      To indicate a less healthy choice, a colour is used on a food label.

      Correct Answer: red

      Q5.
      True or false? Every food group from the Eatwell Guide is the name of a nutrient.

      True
      Correct answer: False

      Q6.
      Match the following words with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:macronutrients,nutrients that are needed by the body in large amounts
      Correct Answer:micronutrients,nutrients that are needed by the body in smaller amounts
      Correct Answer:hydration,the process of replacing water in the body
      Correct Answer:food labels,provide information on packaged food

      To help you plan your 7 cooking and nutrition lesson on: Eat well now, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...