Food gives us energy to play, study, and grow. Just like a car needs petrol to run, our body needs food to work. Different foods give us different things our body needs.
Why Do We Need Food?
- Energy — to walk, run, and work
- Growth — to grow taller and stronger
- Health — to stay free from illness
- Repair — to heal cuts and broken bones
Types of Food and What They Do
| Food Group | Examples | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Grains/Cereals | Rice, wheat, roti, bread | Give energy |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Apple, spinach, carrot | Give vitamins and minerals |
| Milk and dairy | Milk, curd, cheese | Build strong bones and teeth |
| Pulses and legumes | Dal, rajma, peas | Help body grow (protein) |
| Fats and oils | Ghee, butter, nuts | Give extra energy |
Eating a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet includes all the food groups in the right amounts. If we eat only one type of food, we miss what other foods give us. This is why it is important to eat a variety of foods every day.
Food From Plants and Animals
Many foods come from plants: rice, wheat, vegetables, fruits, pulses, sugar, and cooking oil.
Foods from animals include: milk, eggs, fish, and meat.
Food Should Be Clean
Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Do not eat food that smells bad or has mould. Cover food to keep flies away. Eat home-cooked meals when possible.
Asha eats dal, rice, sabzi (vegetable), and a banana for lunch. She is eating a balanced meal — grain, protein, vegetable, and fruit all in one.
Raju only eats biscuits all day. He feels tired and weak. His body is missing protein, vitamins, and minerals it needs to stay healthy.
The mango is a fruit that comes from a plant. We eat its sweet flesh. Mango gives us Vitamin C and energy.
Milk is food from an animal (cow or buffalo). It is rich in calcium, which builds strong bones. Children need at least one glass of milk a day.
Before eating a guava, Priya washes it under clean running water. This removes dust and germs from the skin so it is safe to eat.
Common mistakes
Many children think only sweets and fried snacks give energy. In reality, they give too much unhealthy fat and sugar. Grains, dal, and vegetables are much better energy sources. Also, skipping meals is harmful — the body needs food regularly.
Summary
Food gives us energy, helps us grow, and keeps us healthy. We should eat a balanced diet that includes grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein. Food comes from both plants and animals. Always keep food clean and covered.