Simon Eats

Introduction

Cars need fuel, and different cars need different fuels. Did you know that race cars need a powerful fuel or they will not run well? Guess what, your body is like a car and your food is your fuel!

You can use a stoplight to help yourself make healthy food and beverage choices.

• Green-light foods are best! They have the most nutrition for energy and growth and can be eaten anytime. Green-light foods are great fuel for your body and brain, so eat them often!
• Yellow-light foods do not keep you fueled-up the way green-light foods do. They have more fat, added sugar, and/or calories than green-light foods. Eat yellow-light foods sometimes, but not for every meal.
• Red-light foods have the lowest nutritional value. Stop and think about your choice and eat the red-light foods least often. 

During this activity, you will learn about foods that match each color on a stoplight by playing a game similar to the game “Simon Says.” We call this game Simon Eats!

Activity Instructions

1. Draw a Food Activity Card and say, "Simon is eating ________ ." (Fill in the blank with food on card.)
2. Kids jump high if they think Simon's food choice is a green-light food (eat more), squat for a yellow-light food (eat some), or sit on the floor and push themselves backward for a red-light food (eat less). 
3. Read the fit tips on the Food Activity Cards to help kids understand why the food is a red-light, yellow-light, or green-light food choice. 
4. Mix up the cards and repeat the activity as time allows. 

Reflections

Q: You are responsible for making yourself a snack after school. Name some green-light food choices that will be the best for your body and your brain.
A: Any green-light "eat more" food.

Option: Download and share the Smart Snacking Printable Pack for nutritious snack ideas.

Challenge

Next time your sweet tooth starts talking, reach for fruit! Fresh fruit is a green-light food choice.